ARSENAL have made Olivia Smith the costliest signing in women’s football history by completing a £1m move for the Canada forward from Liverpool today.
The 20-year-old, who made her international debut at 15, has signed a four-year deal with the UEFA Women’s Champions League holders.
Smith’s move breaks the record set by Chelsea in January when they signed USA defender Naomi Girma for £900,000 from San Diego Wave.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal,” Smith said today.
“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.”
Trevor Francis became the first £1m men’s player when he joined Nottingham Forest 46 years ago.
Smith, who only turned professional in 2023, joined Liverpool from Portuguese side Sporting a year ago for a club record fee of just over £200,000.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers said Smith is an “exciting young player” who can make a “big contribution”.
She scored seven goals in 20 Women’s Super League games in her debut season as Liverpool finished seventh.