When Arsenal announced the signing of Olivia Smith for a staggering £1 million fee, the football world sat up and took notice. This wasn’t just another transfer; it was a milestone moment — the first-ever seven-figure deal in women’s football history.
But who is Olivia Smith, and why did Arsenal decide to invest so heavily in a 20-year-old forward who only turned professional last year?
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Who Is Olivia Smith? A Rising Star from Canada
The 20-year-old, who turned professional just last year in 2023, has made history as the first female player to command a £1 million transfer fee, joining Arsenal from Liverpool in a groundbreaking deal that breaks through a long-awaited glass ceiling.
Top 5 Record Transfers in Women’s Football
| Player | From | To | Transfer Fee (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olivia Smith | Liverpool | Arsenal | 1,000,000 |
| Naomi Girma | San Diego Wave | Chelsea | 900,000 |
| Rachael Kundananji | Madrid CFF | Bay FC | 685,000 |
| Barbra Banda | Shanghai Shengli | Orlando Pride | 581,000 |
| Mayra Ramirez | Levante | Chelsea | 426,000 |
This transfer marks a headline-grabbing shift — a landmark moment for women’s football that has been a long time coming. Many will understandably wonder why it has taken nearly half a century since Trevor Francis became Britain’s first £1 million male footballer for the women’s game to reach this milestone.
However, focusing too much on that timeline overlooks the more fascinating questions. Olivia Smith is not yet a household name like Aitana Bonmatí or Sam Kerr, and she has only played 1,578 minutes in the WSL. So, why is Arsenal investing such a hefty sum in her? And could this move truly change the landscape of the league? Sky Sports explores Smith’s extraordinary journey and what this record-breaking signing means for Arsenal’s competitors.
Olivia Smith: Canada’s Rising Star Who Took Liverpool by Storm
Liverpool made a bold move last summer to sign Olivia Smith, a talented forward from Ontario, Canada, who had been turning heads at Sporting in Portugal.
In 2019, Smith made history as the youngest player ever to appear for Canada’s senior national team at just 15 years and 94 days old. She quickly established herself in Portugal’s Liga BPI, netting 13 goals and providing numerous assists in just 18 appearances.
But Smith is much more than a prolific scorer. Known for her fearless style and raw talent, she combines dribbling, creativity, and relentless pressing. Her energy and pace make her a constant threat, whether on the ball or chasing down defenders. It’s no wonder Liverpool saw huge potential.
In July 2024, Liverpool invested a club-record £210,000 to bring Smith into the WSL — a smart piece of business as Arsenal now pays nearly five times that fee within just a year. Despite Liverpool’s challenging season, Smith stood out as a bright spot, delivering crucial goals in big matches against Manchester United and Arsenal, proving she thrives under pressure.
Her impact was immediate: Smith scored seven league goals in her debut campaign — more than twice the tally of any other Liverpool player last season. And with better support around her, she’s set to grow even further.
Arsenal’s Bold Statement: Redefining Power in Women’s Football
Move over, Chelsea—Arsenal is stepping up with a game-changing move.
Becoming the first women’s team to break the £1 million transfer barrier is more than just a headline; it’s a powerful declaration of ambition, prestige, and confidence in young talent with world-class potential.
What makes this breakthrough truly striking isn’t just the fee or the player’s promise—high potential naturally commands a high price—but the club behind the move. Arsenal is making its intentions unmistakably clear: this is a strategic power play designed to shake up the hierarchy.
For years, Arsenal have lingered in the shadow of their west London rivals, who have dominated the WSL with six consecutive league titles compared to Arsenal’s two League Cups. But under the leadership of Renee Slegers, the Gunners have rediscovered their boldness, daring to chase European glory again. Their recent Champions League win—the only English club to have achieved this feat—has revitalized their stature and ambitions.
Chelsea’s market-shifting January acquisitions of Naomi Girma and Keira Walsh, totaling £1.29 million, raised the stakes dramatically, controlling the lion’s share of the English transfer market and a significant portion worldwide. Arsenal’s record-breaking signing of Olivia Smith is the first true answer to that challenge, signaling their determination to claim a prominent place in women’s football’s evolving landscape.
Olivia Smith’s Role at Arsenal: Versatility Meets Big Expectations
Olivia Smith’s versatility makes her a perfect fit for Arsenal’s expansive, attacking style. She can play as a central striker, attacking midfielder (No. 10), or out wide — a flexibility that adds valuable options to the squad. Last season, only four players in the WSL attempted more shots than Smith: Khadija Shaw (52), Frida Maanum (57), Elisabeth Terland (65), and Alessia Russo (73).
What truly sets Smith apart is her exceptional ball-carrying ability. Among WSL forwards and wingers, she ranked fifth for progressive carries and only Alessia Russo (21) had more shot-ending carries than Smith’s 20. Of the league’s top dribblers, Smith boasts the best take-on success rate at 57.4%. She is also tough to dispossess — only Viviane Asseyi drew more fouls (51) than Smith’s 46. Her 21 possessions won in the attacking third ranked seventh in the league, highlighting her impact in the final third.
Yet, Smith’s presence presents a challenge for manager Renee Slegers. Carrying the weight of a world-record £1 million fee is no small burden for a 20-year-old with limited experience. More pressing, perhaps, is figuring out where she fits into a squad already rich in attacking talent.
Smith spent 62% of her league minutes last season as a No. 9, but unseating Alessia Russo in that role is unlikely. On the right wing, established stars Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead dominate. This raises the question: could such a significant investment end up on the bench?
If Arsenal truly aim to topple Chelsea and reclaim the WSL crown, they need depth and versatility to compete on multiple fronts. Olivia Smith’s signing may be the first step toward closing that gap — but expect Chelsea to respond fiercely in the battle for supremacy.
Read More: Arsenal Shatter Women’s Football Transfer Record with Historic £1M Olivia Smith Deal
