Smith joins Arsenal for world record £1m fee

Canada forward Olivia Smith has become the most expensive signing in women’s football history by completing a £1m move to Arsenal from Liverpool.

The 20-year-old, who made her international debut at 15, has signed a four-year deal with the Champions League holders.

Smith’s move breaks the record set by Chelsea in January when they signed USA defender Naomi Girma for £900,000 from San Diego Wave.

“It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal,” said Smith.

Trevor Francis became the first £1m men’s player when he joined Nottingham Forest 46 years ago.

Smith, who only turned professional in 2023, joined Liverpool from Portuguese side Sporting a year ago for a club record fee of just over £200,000.

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers said Smith is an “exciting young player” who can make a “big contribution”.

She scored seven goals in 20 Women’s Super League games in her debut season as Liverpool finished seventh.

Arsenal did not want to sit still after winning the Women’s Champions League and vowed to strengthen their squad.

This is an eye-catching recruit that does just that with Smith widely considered one of the WSL’s most exciting youngsters, with a high ceiling of potential.

She brings pace and directness to Arsenal’s attacking line-up and has already proven herself in the WSL with a successful season at Liverpool.

There has been longstanding interest in Smith from Arsenal, who were beaten to her signature by Liverpool in 2024, and they have always been ready to spend should they need to.

The Reds have made a profit of almost £800,000 after breaking their club record last summer to sign Smith, and they will see this as good business despite losing one of the world’s brightest young talents.

Liverpool managing director Andy O’Boyle rejected several bids until £1m was presented. The £1m payment will be made in instalments to allow Liverpool to invest gradually.

The club hope to use this money to strengthen the squad in several areas this season.

There is also a sell-on clause, so Liverpool will benefit from any future sale.

Smith had several suitors but it is believed she was impressed by Arsenal’s recruitment presentation.