On July 17, 2025, Olivia Smith, a 20-year-old forward from Canada, secured her place in women’s football history by transferring to Arsenal from Liverpool for a world record fee of £1 million. This deal marks a significant milestone in the sport, as Smith now holds the distinction of being the most expensive female football player ever. The previous record was held by Naomi Girma, a U.S. defender who was signed by Chelsea in January for £900,000, showcasing the growing financial investments in women’s football as it continues to evolve and capture global attention.
Making her international debut at just 15 years old, Smith has already established herself as a formidable talent in the sport. Her recent four-year contract with Arsenal comes shortly after a fruitful season at Liverpool, where she scored seven goals in 20 Women’s Super League (WSL) matches, helping the team secure a mid-table finish. Despite her young age, she is known for her pace and direct style of play, attributes that Arsenal’s head coach, Renee Slegers, enthusiastically highlighted, proclaiming her as an “exciting young player” poised to make a substantial impact on the team.
Smith expressed her excitement about joining Arsenal, stating that it is a “privilege and an honour” to be part of such a prestigious club. In her comments, she emphasized her aspirations to compete at the highest levels, both in England and across Europe, aligning perfectly with Arsenal’s ambitions as a club that recently clinched the Women’s Champions League title. The investment in Smith reflects Arsenal’s strategy to reinforce their squad following their recent successes and to maintain a competitive edge in both domestic and international tournaments.
Transitioning from Liverpool to Arsenal, Smith has come a long way since she turned professional in 2023. Her journey includes a brief stint at Portuguese club Sporting, where she was purchased by Liverpool last year for just over £200,000. This prior investment in her career signifies a remarkable turnaround for both the player and her former club, as Liverpool stands to gain nearly £800,000 from the sale when factoring in the profit margin generated from her initial acquisition. Liverpool’s managing director, Andy O’Boyle, was diligent in handling bids for Smith, ultimately waiting for Arsenal’s substantial offer of £1 million before finalizing the deal, which will be paid in installments.
The transfer deal includes a sell-on clause that safeguards Liverpool’s interests, ensuring they benefit from any future transactions involving Smith. Arsenal’s longstanding interest in the player was well-known, having competed against Liverpool for her signature a year prior. However, in their persistent pursuit, they recognized her potential and character through their recruitment presentations, which helped sway Smith’s decision towards North London.
While Liverpool navigates an ongoing managerial search after parting ways with coach Matt Beard in February, the club looks to reinvest the funds from Smith’s transfer into bolstering their squad across several positions. This could pave the way for Liverpool to build a robust lineup to compete more effectively in the WSL, an increasingly competitive league.
As Smith joins the ranks at Arsenal, fans and analysts alike anticipate her contributions to the team. With her already proven track record in the WSL, her potential to evolve further under the guidance of experienced coaches and alongside seasoned players will be a focal point of interest in the upcoming season. Arsenal’s investment in Smith not only bolsters their attacking capabilities but also signals a broader commitment within women’s football toward recognizing talent and rewarding it accordingly.
