Arsenal Shatter Women's Transfer Record with Blockbuster Olivia Smith Signing from Liverpool

Arsenal Shatter Women's Transfer Record with Blockbuster Olivia Smith Signing from Liverpool

Arsenal have finalized the acquisition of Olivia Smith from Liverpool, establishing a new benchmark in women's football transfer fees.

Reports surfaced earlier this month revealing that the 20-year-old Smith would be moving to Arsenal in a landmark transaction reportedly worth £1 million ($1.3 million)—marking the largest transfer fee in women's football history.

This transfer surpasses the former record established by Chelsea in January when they secured USWNT defender Naomi Girma for £890,000 ($1.1 million at that time).

"It's a privilege and an honour," Smith expressed to club media. "Everything that Arsenal has achieved is simply incredible, and to become part of that legacy fills me with excitement.

"Making such a significant change is never an easy choice, but ultimately, my desire for continuous growth drives me forward—this has been my guiding principle throughout my career from a young age. I constantly seek new opportunities to develop, absorb knowledge from various coaches, and learn alongside different teammates.

"The timing feels perfect, and joining a prestigious club like Arsenal has always been my aspiration. They're performing exceptionally well once again, so I'm thrilled to be here."

Liverpool had invested £200,000 ($268,000) to bring Canada international Smith from Sporting CP in July 2024. The promising forward scored nine goals across 25 matches during her single campaign with the Reds before making the move to Arsenal.

The Most Expensive Transfers in Women's Football History

Player

From

To

Fee

Olivia Smith

Liverpool

Arsenal

£1m ($1.3m)

Naomi Girma

San Diego Wave

Chelsea

£890,000 ($1.1m)

Racheal Kundananji

Madrid CFF

Bay FC

£685,000 ($860,000)

Tarciane

Houston Dash

Lyon

£619,000 ($830,000)

Barbra Banda

Shanghai Shengli

Orlando Pride

£581,000 ($740,000)