Olivia Smith Joins Arsenal From Liverpool In Record-Breaking Women’s Transfer Deal

‎European champions Arsenal broke the women’s transfer record this Thursday by acquiring Canadian forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool for a fee of one million pounds, according to media reports.

‎At 20 years old, Smith becomes the first female player to surpass the seven-figure transfer fee.

‎Arsenal’s record-breaking transfer exceeds the previous women’s record set by Naomi Girma, who moved from San Diego Wave to Chelsea for £900,000 in January.

‎However, Girma had already surpassed the one-million-dollar mark in her transfer. The first player in men’s football to command a transfer fee of one million pounds was Trevor Francis.

‎He made the move from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest in 1979.

‎“It’s my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe, and I’m excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal,” Smith said in a statement.

‎The versatile Smith, who can operate as a striker or play on the wing, enjoyed a stellar debut season at Liverpool despite the club’s struggles.

‎Smith finished as Liverpool’s top scorer across all competitions with nine goals and was awarded their Player of the Season. Despite her individual success, Liverpool dropped to seventh place in the Women’s Super League after finishing fourth the previous season.

‎Arsenal is strengthening its squad following its Champions League triumph, making ambitious recruitment moves.

‎They have already re-signed Chloe Kelly from Manchester City as a free agent to bolster their lineup.

‎They also snapped up left-back Taylor Hinds from Liverpool after her contract expired.

‎However, signing Smith sends a strong message of intent from Renee Slegers’s team, who finished as runners-up to Chelsea in the league.