The Digest:
Arsenal Women have broken the world record for a women’s football transfer, signing Olivia Smith from Liverpool for £1m. The 20-year-old forward becomes the first female player to surpass the seven-figure barrier, signaling the club’s ambition to challenge for top honors in both England and Europe.
Key Points:
- Olivia Smith’s £1m transfer to Arsenal eclipses the previous record set by Chelsea's £900k signing of Naomi Girma.
- Smith scored 7 goals in 20 WSL appearances for Liverpool in the 2024-25 season.
- The Canadian international is excited to join Arsenal and compete for major titles.
- Arsenal's squad additions this summer also include Chloe Kelly and Taylor Hinds.
- Smith made her international debut for Canada at age 15 and has earned 18 caps.
- The £1m deal marks a shift in the financial landscape of women’s football, as Arsenal now rivals Chelsea in their spending power.
- Head coach Renee Slegers sees Smith as an exciting addition to the squad and key to their attacking rebuild.
Arsenal’s £1m signing of Olivia Smith from Liverpool signifies their determination to challenge Chelsea's dominance in the WSL and establish themselves as Europe’s premier club. The move highlights the growing financial backing and ambition of the club in women’s football.
Sources: Sky Sports, Soccernet.ng, Arsenal.com
