New Delhi: Arsenal Women have signed striker Olivia Smith for a world-record transfer fee of £1m. According to a BBC report, she becomes the first woman player to surpass the seven-figure mark, breaking Chelsea’s record of £900,000, which they paid for San Diego Wave’s Naomi Girma in January.
Smith netted seven goals in 20 WSL matches last season for Liverpool as the club finished seventh in the league. She joined the Merseyside club for a club-record fee of £210,000 from Portugal’s Sporting CP. The Reds have rejected several bids for the striker from many WSL clubs. In 2019, she became the youngest player to play for Canada at the age of 15 years and 94 days.
The North London club have continued to bolster their squad after winning the Women’s Champions League title in May. They have already signed Chloe Kelly on a permanent transfer and Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds on a free transfer.
Head coach Renee Slegers said that Olivia is an exciting young player and they believe that she can make a big contribution to the club. She further added that they’ve been impressed by her mentality and character.
“I know she has a level of ambition that matches our own and we’re looking forward to working with her as she continues to grow at the club”, Slegers added.
The latest addition to the Arsenal family ❤️
Olivia Smith is a Gunner ✍️ pic.twitter.com/9tDKSMcfxf
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) July 17, 2025
‘It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal’: Olivia Smith
After completing the signing, Olivia Smith said that it is a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal, and it’s her dream to compete for the biggest titles in England and in Europe.
“I’m excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal. The atmosphere the supporters create at Emirates Stadium is incredible and I can’t wait to have that behind me now” Smith added.