In a further historic move for women’s football, Arsenal Women have paid a record transfer fee of £1 million. This impressive deal adds Liverpool forward Olivia Smith to their roster. The 19-year-old, who made headlines as the youngest player to represent Canada in 2019, is set to undergo a medical this week, marking a significant step in her career. In addition to Smith, Arsenal managed to sign her team-mate Hinds this summer too.
In short, last season, Smith displayed her awesomeness in all facets on the pitch. She started in 20 WSL matches and was responsible for seven of Liverpool’s 22 goals scored. Her impressive performance has garnered attention and solidified her reputation as a rising star in women’s football. This transfer not only highlights Smith’s individual achievements but reflects the growing investment in women’s sports.
Record-Breaking Transfer
It’s understandable that excitement is fuelling expectations, particularly among the football community. It’s broken the record previously held by Chelsea, who paid $1.1 million for Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave back in January. If this deal were to go through, Smith would be the first female player to break the seven-figure barrier.
Liverpool signed Smith from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon last summer – the £210,000 fee was a record for the club. Instead, they’re in line to turn a profit of almost £800,000 gained from selling her to Arsenal. This number highlights how fast the finances have skyrocketed and the rising value of women in this sport.
Arsenal’s Ambitious Strategy
With the acquisition of Olivia Smith, Arsenal has made a strong statement. This decision demonstrates their increased ambition following trading on becoming European champions. Manchester City have strengthened their squad ahead of the new season with the permanent signing of Chloe Kelly from Everton. They managed to land Taylor Hinds on a free transfer.
Renée Slegers, the manager of Arsenal Women, aims to harness the momentum from May’s Champions League triumph to propel the team forward. The strategic signings indicate Arsenal’s commitment to competing at the highest level in women’s football.
“It’s the direction the women’s game is going in and it’s great to see.” – Lauren Hemp
Hemp’s sentiments reflect the broader movement within women’s football, where players are increasingly recognized for their talents and contributions to the sport.
The Future of Women’s Football
Olivia Smith’s transfer is emblematic of the evolving landscape of women’s football, where financial investments are beginning to mirror those seen in men’s sports. The increasing attention and support for female athletes are worth celebrating and it is a bright game ahead.
As clubs like Arsenal step up their efforts to enhance their rosters, the trajectory of women’s football continues to rise. Smith has graduated from bright young spark to record-breaking transfer. Her journey is a testament to her personal achievements and the remarkable progress women have made in sports.
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