Arsenal Women are set to break new ground in the history of women’s football after agreeing a world-record £1 million fee to sign Olivia Smith from Liverpool Women, a move that would make the 20-year-old Canadian the first female player to command a seven-figure transfer fee.
Smith is expected to undergo a medical soon before finalising her switch to North London. If completed, the transfer would eclipse the previous record—set in January 2025—when Chelsea paid $1.1 million (approx. £890,000) to sign Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave FC.
Rising Star of Canadian Football
Smith has quickly established herself as one of the brightest young forwards in the women’s game. Last season, she scored seven of Liverpool’s 22 Women’s Super League (WSL) goals across 20 appearances, making her the club’s top scorer and a key figure in their attack, despite the team finishing a modest seventh in the WSL.
Liverpool signed Smith from Sporting Lisbon last summer for a then club-record £210,000, meaning they stand to make a substantial profit of nearly £800,000 on the deal. The Reds had reportedly turned down several bids from both domestic and European clubs earlier this summer, but Arsenal’s record-breaking offer proved decisive.
Smith’s international pedigree adds further weight to her rising profile. She made her debut for Canada’s senior team in 2019 at just 15 years and 94 days old, becoming the youngest player to feature for the national side. Since then, she has earned 18 caps and is considered a future cornerstone of the Canadian attack.
Strategic Recruitment as Arsenal Build Post-Europe Triumph
The move is the latest in a string of smart acquisitions by Arsenal Women, who are looking to build on their recent UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph in May. Having already signed Chloe Kelly on a permanent deal and brought in Taylor Hinds—also from Liverpool—on a free transfer, the addition of Smith underlines Arsenal’s aggressive transfer strategy this summer.
Manager Renee Slegers, appointed earlier this year, appears to have the full backing of the club as they aim to close the domestic gap with perennial rivals Chelsea, who won their sixth consecutive WSL title last season.
“The capture of Olivia Smith for a world-record fee is a clear marker of amplified intent,” noted a club insider. “Arsenal are building to challenge Chelsea’s dominance and this deal shows they’re serious.”
Lauren Hemp: ‘It’s Where the Women’s Game is Going’
Reacting to the landmark deal, Manchester City and England forward Lauren Hemp welcomed the growing financial commitment to the women’s game.
“It’s the direction the women’s game is going in, and it’s great to see,” she said. “As players, we’re in a bit of a bubble during tournaments, but this kind of move shows how far the game has come. It’s proof that women footballers are being recognised for their value, and long may that continue.”
Changing the Landscape
This transfer not only sets a new financial precedent but may also mark a power shift in the WSL. Traditionally, Chelsea have led the way in major signings—spending heavily on the likes of Naomi Girma and Keira Walsh—but Arsenal’s recent European success has emboldened them to match and now surpass their rivals in ambition.
For years, Arsenal have lived in the shadow of Chelsea domestically. But with European silverware in hand, smart summer recruitment, and record-breaking intent, the balance of power in English women’s football may finally be shifting.