Arsenal Smash Transfer Record to Sign Liverpool Star in Historic Deal

Arsenal are set to make Olivia Smith the first £1 million player in women’s football, having agreed to a world-record fee with Liverpool. According to the Guardian, the two clubs have settled on a fee for the Canadian forward that surpasses the $1.1 million (£881,000) previously paid by Chelsea to acquire United States centre-back Naomi Girma in January.

In July 2024, Smith paid a club-record £210,000 to join Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon. She made an immediate impression during her first season in the Women’s Super League, ending as Liverpool’s top scorer with seven goals in 20 games, accounting for almost one-third of the team’s league goals.

Her impressive performances have clearly caught Arsenal’s attention. Despite having several years left on her contract, the Gunners have decided to pay the significant fee to secure her talents. ESPN reports that Liverpool turned down multiple offers from Chelsea and Lyon for Smith before ultimately accepting the record bid.

While personal terms still need to be finalized, Arsenal appears to have outmaneuvered the competition for the in-demand forward. Though Liverpool anticipates losing their star player, the seven-figure deal represents a significant return on the investment made just a year prior.

In July 2024, Smith paid a club-record £210,000 to join Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon. She made an immediate impression during her first season in the Women’s Super League, ending as Liverpool’s top scorer with seven goals in 20 games, accounting for almost one-third of the team’s league goals.

On a positive note for Arsenal, they celebrated a second Women’s Champions League title after a 1-0 victory against Barcelona in the final. With Smith’s arrival, along with Chloe Kelly joining on a free transfer from Manchester City and her former Liverpool teammate Taylor Hinds also signing for free, Arsenal is signaling its intent to strengthen the squad as they look to defend their European crown.