Arsenal have secured the signature of Olivia Smith from Liverpool in a deal worth £1 million, making the 20-year-old the most expensive signing in the sport’s history.
Smith, who made her international debut at the age of just 15, has agreed to a four-year contract with the reigning Champions League holders.
Her journey, which began at grassroots level with Whitby Iroquois SC in Canada, has evolved into a global ascent, capped by this record-shattering transfer. Notably, she breaks the previous record set in January 2024 when Chelsea signed Naomi Girma for £900,000.
Although the deal eclipses that of Girma, it also echoes history; it was 46 years ago that Trevor Francis became men’s football’s first million-pound player. And now, Smith has etched her name into a similar chapter.
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From grassroots glory to global recognition
Having turned professional only in 2023, Smith’s rapid rise through the ranks has been nothing short of electric.
After lighting up League 1 Ontario with 18 goals in 11 games, she transitioned briefly to the NCAA with Penn State before signing with Portuguese giants Sporting. There, she wasted no time making an impression, registering 13 goals and nine assists in 18 games, while collecting yet another Best Young Player award.
Her move to Liverpool in 2024 was equally impactful. In just one WSL season, Smith tallied seven goals in 20 appearances, becoming one of the league’s most exciting prospects.
Despite Liverpool’s managerial uncertainty – following the sacking of Matt Beard – Smith’s brilliance stood out, attracting renewed interest from Arsenal, who had earlier missed out on her signing.
Arsenal’s persistence eventually paid off. They presented a compelling recruitment pitch that ultimately swayed Smith. It also helped that the Gunners were determined to bolster their attacking firepower following European triumph. With Smith’s blend of pace, and directness, she is seen as the ideal addition to an already lethal frontline.
Canada’s crown jewel comes of age
Beyond club football, Smith has continued to be a shining light for Canada’s national team. After debuting on the senior stage at 15, she’s gone on to represent her country at two U20 World Cups and two Concacaf U20 Championships, before returning to the senior setup in time for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Her first international goal came in emphatic fashion – a 6-0 rout of El Salvador at the 2024 Gold Cup, where she was crowned the tournament’s Best Young Player. Already tipped as Christine Sinclair’s natural heir, Smith is being groomed as the centrepiece of Canada’s next golden generation.
Liverpool, meanwhile, leave the deal with a near £800,000 profit, to be paid in instalments and supported by a sell-on clause. The funds are expected to be reinvested in squad development.
Tags: Olivia Smith, Arsenal, #COYG, #AFC, most expensive signing in women’s football history, #LFC, #YNWA, Liverpool, Ontario, Penn State, Sporting, Trevor Francis, Naomi, Girma, Concacaf U20 Women’s Championship, U20 Women’s World Cup, #U20WWC, Christine Sinclair.
