Olivia Smith is set to become women’s football’s first £1million player, joining Arsenal Women on a four-year contract. The Canadian international’s record-breaking transfer was confirmed on Thursday, with the club announcing only that she had moved for an “undisclosed fee”.
The secrecy surrounding Smith’s move reflects her family’s values of loyalty and privacy. As a child, Smith was placed in front of a ball by her father, Sean, who instilled these principles in her. This emphasis on discretion has been crucial as the news broke online in July 2025, causing chaos among fans.
Liverpool initially had no intention to sell Smith, but after interest strengthened, they began discussing a potential departure. The club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, wanted to benefit from the large price tag and reduce transfer expenditure for their women’s team. However, this strategy led to frustration among staff and supporters.
Arsenal, on the other hand, pursued Smith with confidence, driven by their reputation for developing talent. They offered a world-record bid, taking into account their recent success, both on and off the pitch. The club has also made savvy recruitment moves, including signing free agents like Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey.
Smith’s decision to join Arsenal was influenced by her desire for growth and development. Her past experiences, including playing in Portugal’s top flight and scoring seven goals in one Women’s Super League campaign, have prepared her for the challenge ahead. The club believes she possesses an unrivalled mentality and has a massive ceiling for improvement.
Liverpool initially offered Smith a significant increase on her previous £216,000 contract, but the club’s owners prioritized investing the money received from her sale over providing resources and opportunities for the player. Instead, they plan to use this windfall to push their women’s team closer to competing with top-tier clubs.
The signing of Olivia Smith is a significant milestone for Arsenal Women, marking a new era in their history. While it comes with a record-breaking fee, the club acknowledges that her worth lies not just in her transfer value but also in the countless sacrifices she has made throughout her career.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6499383/2025/07/17/olivia-smith-behind-the-deal-record-liverpool-arsenal