{"id":14333,"date":"2025-07-17T11:26:21","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T15:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/17\/arsenal-shatters-womens-transfer-record-with-signing-of-smith-from-liverpool\/"},"modified":"2025-07-17T11:26:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T15:26:21","slug":"arsenal-shatters-womens-transfer-record-with-signing-of-smith-from-liverpool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/17\/arsenal-shatters-womens-transfer-record-with-signing-of-smith-from-liverpool\/","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal Shatters Women&#8217;s Transfer Record with Signing of Smith from Liverpool"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/17\/arsenal-shatters-womens-transfer-record-with-signing-of-smith-from-liverpool\/#What_position_does_she_play\" >What position does she play?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/17\/arsenal-shatters-womens-transfer-record-with-signing-of-smith-from-liverpool\/#What_are_her_strengths\" >What are her strengths?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/17\/arsenal-shatters-womens-transfer-record-with-signing-of-smith-from-liverpool\/#What_does_she_need_to_work_on\" >What does she need to work on?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/17\/arsenal-shatters-womens-transfer-record-with-signing-of-smith-from-liverpool\/#How_will_Smith_fit_into_Arsenals_tactical_plan\" >How will Smith fit into Arsenal&#8217;s tactical plan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/07\/17\/arsenal-shatters-womens-transfer-record-with-signing-of-smith-from-liverpool\/#Why_did_Arsenal_want_her\" >Why did Arsenal want her?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-meta\"><span class=\"timestamp \">July 17, 2025, 05:00 at<\/span><\/div>\n<p>Arsenal has confirmed the signing of 20-year-old forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool, making her transfer the highest ever recorded in women&#8217;s football.<\/p>\n<p>The Canadian international has become the first woman to surpass the \u00a31 million ($1.36 million) mark, breaking the previous record held by Chelsea defender Naomi Gilma, who transferred for \u00a3900,000 ($1.1 million) in January. Following her victory in the UEFA Women&#8217;s Champions League in May, Arsenal secured another key player.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, Smith made headlines by becoming the youngest senior international player for Canada, achieving this milestone at just 94 days old. After a successful stint with North Stronto Nitros, she made waves during the 2023-24 professional season for the CP Sports team by scoring 13 goals in 18 appearances.<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; Summer Transfer Window Grade: Arsenal earns an A for Smith<br \/>&#8211; Smith Overtakes Gilma in Women&#8217;s Transfer Record<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Last summer, Liverpool set a club record by signing Smith for just over \u00a3200,000, where she netted seven goals in 20 appearances in the Women&#8217;s Super League. This represented nearly a third of the club\u2019s total goals that season.<\/p>\n<p>Now, let&#8217;s examine the reasons behind Arsenal&#8217;s major investment in her talent.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_position_does_she_play\"><\/span>What position does she play?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<aside class=\"inline inline-photo full\">\n<figure><picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0717%2Fr1520163_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=570&amp;format=jpg, https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0717%2Fr1520163_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 376px)\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0717%2Fr1520163_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=375, https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0717%2Fr1520163_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=750&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 375px)\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\" lazyload lazyload\" data-image-container=\".inline-photo\" height=\"320\" width=\"570\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"photoCaption\">Arsenal has secured Olivia Smith for a women&#8217;s world record transfer fee. <cite>David Price\/Arsenal FC Getty Images<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Smith predominantly plays as a right-footed winger on the right side, but is also capable of operating centrally as a striker. In the 2024-25 season, she took on a dual role, either as part of a front two in Liverpool&#8217;s 3-5-2 formation or as a winger in a 4-2-3-1 setup.<\/p>\n<p>She excelled with the freedom to advance, often dropping back to retrieve the ball and maneuver around defenders.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_her_strengths\"><\/span>What are her strengths?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Smith&#8217;s primary asset is her exceptional dribbling ability. Her speed combined with an instant change of direction makes her highly unpredictable. Her close ball control in compact situations and resilience during challenges create challenges for defenders.<\/p>\n<p>During her time at Liverpool, the team&#8217;s approach was direct with limited touches, yet she shined, ranking highly in &#8220;Open Play Touch of Progressive Carry&#8221; metrics. Smith&#8217;s statistics indicate her prowess in both attempted dribbles and successful progressive carries.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/photo\/2025\/0716\/r1519812_999x999_1-1.png\" width=\"100%\"><\/p>\n<p>Smith complements the Chelsea duo of Johanna Litting Canildo and Meira Ramirez, known for their ball-carrying abilities. Her average of 3.6 take-on attempts (with a 58% success rate) places her among the top performers, indicating stylistic similarities with her peers.<\/p>\n<p>While primarily right-footed, Smith is proficient with both feet, taking 49 shots last season. Despite Liverpool&#8217;s struggles to create chances, she regularly relied on her speed and skill to generate scoring opportunities. Only a few players, like Aston Villa&#8217;s Kirsty Hanson and Ebony Salmon, surpassed Smith in shots taken from take-ons.<\/p>\n<p>Her impressive foot speed and skills often enable her to draw fouls, placing her among the league leaders in this category. Smith notably caused problems for Arsenal during the FA Cup quarterfinals and other high-stakes matches against Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City last season.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"inline inline-photo full\">\n<figure><picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a4.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0716%2Fr1519820_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=570&amp;format=jpg, https:\/\/a4.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0716%2Fr1519820_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 376px)\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a4.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0716%2Fr1519820_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=375, https:\/\/a4.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0716%2Fr1519820_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=750&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 375px)\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\" lazyload lazyload\" data-image-container=\".inline-photo\" height=\"320\" width=\"570\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"photoCaption\">Smith scored seven goals for Liverpool last season. <cite>Jess Hornby -Fa\/The Fa via Getty Images<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/aside>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_she_need_to_work_on\"><\/span>What does she need to work on?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are concerns regarding Smith&#8217;s performance in dominant possession situations. Last season, she averaged only 47.4% possession while playing for a Liverpool team that thrived on quick transitions.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, Arsenal showcased one of the highest possession rates in the WSL at 62.5%, often facing defenses that were well-organized. Smith&#8217;s quick-footed style thrives with space, so the tighter conditions she may encounter at Arsenal could affect her dribbling success rates.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_will_Smith_fit_into_Arsenals_tactical_plan\"><\/span>How will Smith fit into Arsenal&#8217;s tactical plan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Rene Sleggers has maintained some of Jonas Edeval\u2019s tactical frameworks while incorporating his own strategies since taking the helm. Under his leadership, Arsenal wingers are encouraged to advance the ball, especially with Chloe Kelly&#8217;s signing boosting direct play, while also being tasked with shooting and crossing.<\/p>\n<p>Defensively, players are expected to contribute to pressing and engagement in the opposition&#8217;s half. Smith&#8217;s active defensive approach and strong work rate align perfectly with this philosophy.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, last season, only Arsenal&#8217;s Mariona Caldente made more tackles in the final third than Smith, who amassed 20 tackles. Among forwards, only a few players topped her in ball recoveries.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/photo\/2025\/0716\/r1519814_999x999_1-1.png\" width=\"100%\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_did_Arsenal_want_her\"><\/span>Why did Arsenal want her?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In addition to strengthening their young talent pool, Arsenal had one of the oldest rosters in the WSL last season, with an average age of 27.6 years. Many key players are nearing the end of their prime, making Smith&#8217;s arrival crucial for injecting youth into the squad. At just 20, she joins other young talents like Kyra Cooney-Cross and Rosa Kafaji, adding depth and homegrown talent as the club looks to the future.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the pressure of her record-breaking transfer fee, Smith seems poised to handle the expectations, already proving her worth in the WSL.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> This groundbreaking transfer not only showcases the growing value and talent in women&#8217;s football but also sets a new benchmark for investments in female athletes. Smith&#8217;s signing could inspire clubs to support and invest in women&#8217;s soccer, potentially leading to heightened visibility and growth for the sport.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>July 17, 2025, 05:00 at Arsenal has confirmed the signing of 20-year-old forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool, making her transfer the highest ever recorded in women&#8217;s football. The Canadian international has become the first woman to surpass the \u00a31 million ($1.36 million) mark, breaking the previous record held by Chelsea defender Naomi Gilma, who transferred [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[44,40,132,46,872,3825,380,4327,45,138,1217],"class_list":["post-14333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football","tag-arsenal","tag-football","tag-liverpool","tag-news","tag-record","tag-shatters","tag-signing","tag-smith","tag-soccer","tag-transfer","tag-womens"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14333\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}