Women’s Football: Arsenal Record Signing
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
Canada forward Olivia Smith, who is 20 years old, has become the most expensive signing in women's football history after completing a £1 million (around €1.15 million) transfer to Arsenal FC from Liverpool FC.
Smith, who made her international debut at the age of 15 and turned professional in 2023, has signed a four-year deal with Arsenal.
Her transfer breaks the record set by Chelsea FC in January 2025, when US defender Naomi Girma transferred from San Diego Wave FC for £900,000 (around €1.04 million), which we reported on the SLT website at the time.
Smith stated that:
"It's a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal."
And Renee Slegers, Arsenal head coach, stated that Smith is an "exciting young player" who can make a "big contribution".
The transfer agreement includes a so-called ‘sell-on’ clause, which means that Liverpool can benefit from any future sale of the player.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
