Arsenal Signs Olivia Smith in Record £1m Women's Football Transfer

Olivia Smith has made history as the first female footballer to be transferred for a £1 million fee, moving from Liverpool to Arsenal in a record-breaking deal. Arsenal outbid several clubs, including Women’s Super League champions Chelsea, to secure the 20-year-old Canadian forward on a four-year contract, aiming to strengthen their squad for major domestic and European titles. Smith, who has excelled in both the Portuguese and English leagues and debuted internationally at 15, expressed excitement about competing at the highest level with Arsenal, a club with a rich history including two Champions League titles. Arsenal’s coaching staff praised her mentality, character, and ambition, highlighting her potential to make a significant impact on the team. The transfer fee reflects the rapidly increasing investment and rising transfer records in women’s soccer, surpassing previous high-profile moves such as Chelsea’s signing of Naomi Girma. Despite the public announcement, the negotiations were handled with great confidentiality to manage the pressure on the young player and maintain privacy throughout the transfer process.