Arsenal Women made history on July 17, 2025, by signing Liverpool forward Lucy Smith for a world-record transfer fee of £1,000,000, eclipsing the previous mark set by Chelsea’s Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for £900,000.


The 24-year-old English striker, who netted 18 goals in the 2024-2025 Women’s Super League season, signed a four-year contract, bolstering Arsenal’s attack as they aim for a domestic treble. The transfer, finalized after weeks of negotiations, includes performance-based add-ons potentially raising the total to £1,000,000, reflecting the growing financial muscle in women’s football.

Smith’s move ends her five-year stint at Liverpool, where she evolved from a reserve player to a key asset, attracting interest from Barcelona and Lyon. 

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall hailed her versatility, noting her 12 assists alongside her goals, while Liverpool’s Matt Beard acknowledged the club’s pride but lamented losing a homegrown talent. The deal, funded partly by a £5 million sponsorship boost, underscores a 20% rise in WSL transfer spending in 2025.