Olivia Smith has become the first £1 million player in women’s football after completing a transfer to Arsenal in a world-record move.
The 20-year-old Canadian makes the switch from Women’s Super League rivals Liverpool, who she only joined last summer.
She enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season at Liverpool, netting seven goals in 19 appearances and being named as the club’s Player of the Season.
Smith has signed a four-year deal, and her transfer eclipses the previous world record move which was set by Chelsea when they paid £833,000 for US centre-back Naomi Girma in January.
Reports claim that Liverpool accepted the seven-figure offer after rejecting several prior bids.
They have notched up an £800,000 profit after signing Smith for £200,000 from Sporting Lisbon last year.
Why did Olivia Smith leave Liverpool for Arsenal?
The £1m offer for Olivia Smith was too good for Liverpool to refuse, and she has completed her transfer to Arsenal in her bid to win the game’s biggest trophies.
Arsenal finished second in the WSL last season and won the Champions League. Liverpool have been a mid-table side in the WSL since their return to the top-flight in 2022, finishing seventh in 2024-25.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal,” said Olivia. “It’s my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe and I’m excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal.
“The atmosphere the supporters create at Emirates Stadium is incredible and I can’t wait to have that behind me now.”
Head Coach Renée Slegers added: “Olivia is an exciting young player and we believe she can make a big contribution here at Arsenal.
“We’ve been impressed by her mentality and character, excelling in two European leagues at such a young age. I know she has a level of ambition that matches our own and we’re looking forward to working with her as she continues to grow at the club.”
The latest addition to the Arsenal family ❤️
Olivia Smith is a Gunner ✍️ pic.twitter.com/9tDKSMcfxf
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) July 17, 2025
The stats that show why Arsenal paid £1m to sign Olivia Smith
Olivia Smith scored seven goals in her maiden WSL campaign with Liverpool. Across Europe’s big five leagues, only two players aged 20 or under scored more – Vicky Lopez (10) and Cora Zican (eight).
The Canadian led Liverpool for touches in the opposition’s box with 92 and shots at 50.
She outperformed her team-high 4.4 expected goals by 2.6, giving her the best xG performance of any player in the Liverpool squad.
Smith is a tricky player with quick feet. Only Viviane Asseyi (51_ won more fouls than Smith’s 46. She also won the most fouls in the final third of the pitch with 14.
In 2024-25, only Alessia Russo recorded more shot-ending carries than Smith in the WSL with 21 compared to 20. Smith also ranked fifth in the league for progressive ball carries among forwards and wingers.
Smith recorded the ninth-most take-ons (61) and second-most successful take-ons (35) in the WSL.
What shirt number will Olivia Smith wear at Arsenal?
Arsenal have confirmed that new signing Olivia Smith will wear the No.15 shirt at Arsenal for the 2025-26 campaign.
Play like no one’s watching. Because everybody is. pic.twitter.com/354RLly7tJ
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) July 17, 2025
The 10 most expensive signings in women’s football history
10. Lena Oberdorf from VfL Wolfsburg to Bayern Munich for £384,000
9. Priscila from Internacional to Club America for £374,000
8. Mayra Ramirez from Levante to Chelsea for £384,000
7. Keira Walsh from Manchester City to Barcelona for £400,000
6. Keira Walsh from Barcelona to Chelsea for £460,000
5. Barbra Banda from Shanghai Shengli to Orlando Pride for £582,000
4. Tarciane from Houston Dash to Lyon for £650,000
3. Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF to Bay FC for £685,000
2. Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave to Chelsea for £883,000
1. Olivia Smith from Liverpool to Arsenal for £1m
Who else have Arsenal signed this summer?
Earlier this week, Arsenal announced the signing of German goalkeeper Anneke Borbe from VfL Wolfsburg.
Olivia Smith will reunite with former Liverpool teammate Taylor Hinds, who joined Arsenal as a free agent this summer.
The Gunners also signed Chloe Kelly from Manchester City after a successful loan spell last season.
