Olivia Smith: Liverpool FC
Introduction: A Rising Star Moves On
In football, every departure leaves behind a unique imprint — a mix of memories, moments, and what-ifs. On July 17, 2025, Liverpool FC Women confirmed that Canadian forward Olivia Smith has completed a permanent transfer to Arsenal, bringing her one-year stay at the club to a close.
After arriving at Merseyside from Portuguese side Sporting CP just last July, Smith’s exit comes quicker than many expected. With nine goals in 25 appearances, she became a dependable attacking presence for Matt Beard’s side and one of the brightest sparks in Liverpool’s 2024–25 campaign.
While the fee remains undisclosed, the significance of the move for both Liverpool and Arsenal is more telling than any number on paper.
A Season of Spark: Olivia Smith’s Liverpool Impact
Olivia Smith arrived at Liverpool as a relatively under-the-radar acquisition, especially for fans unfamiliar with the rise of Canadian football talent. However, those who followed the women’s game closely knew of her exploits with Sporting CP and her promising international credentials with Canada’s national team.
Aged just 20 when she joined, Smith was full of promise, but few predicted just how swiftly she would settle into life in the Women’s Super League.
Her debut goal, a poacher’s finish against West Ham United, signaled her intent. But it wasn’t just the goals — it was the way she carried herself on the pitch. Her energy, directness, and flair made her a fan favourite. Whether playing through the middle or cutting in from wide, Smith’s intelligent movement and sharp finishing gave Liverpool an edge in the final third they often lacked in seasons past.
In just 25 appearances across all competitions, Smith recorded:
- 9 goals
- 4 assists
- 39 key passes
- 88% pass completion in the attacking third
- 16 successful dribbles
In a team still finding consistency in the WSL, Smith was a rare constant. Her link-up play with Leanne Kiernan and Marie Höbinger became a focal point of Liverpool’s attacking identity.
Why Arsenal Moved Swiftly
From a Gunners perspective, the transfer makes perfect sense.
Arsenal Women have been proactive in reshaping their squad under Jonas Eidevall. Injuries and inconsistencies plagued their 2024–25 campaign, and a lack of depth in the attacking areas was a major concern, particularly with Vivianne Miedema’s long-term future still uncertain.
Smith, with her ability to play across the front three, offered a perfect solution.
At just 21 years of age, she represents a player who can offer immediate impact and long-term potential. Her Canadian international pedigree — with the potential to feature in the 2027 Women’s World Cup and Paris 2024 Olympics — also adds marketability and prestige.
Sources suggest Arsenal were tracking Smith since the turn of the year, with a formal approach made after Liverpool’s WSL campaign concluded in May. It is believed the player was attracted by the prospect of Champions League football, increased exposure, and working under a coach known for developing technical forwards.
Liverpool’s Stance: A Difficult but Understood Decision
From Liverpool’s angle, this transfer is bittersweet.
While the club would have loved to build around Olivia for years to come, football decisions often include more than what happens on the pitch. The financial reality of women’s football — where even top clubs must balance investment and sustainability — plays a part.
The Reds did not want to lose Smith, but they were pragmatic. Her contract situation, ambition for European competition, and Arsenal’s firm interest made this a situation where all parties had to act wisely.
Matt Beard, who has overseen significant squad rebuilding since Liverpool’s promotion back to the WSL in 2022, will now look to reinvest the incoming funds. A portion of that is expected to be directed toward bringing in a replacement forward before the new season kicks off in September.
A club statement read:
“Everyone at the club would like to thank Olivia for her efforts and wish her well for the future.”
From Canada to Merseyside: Olivia Smith’s Journey So Far
Liverpool FC Women
Born in Whitby, Ontario, Smith was earmarked as a generational talent from an early age. She made her senior international debut for Canada at just 15 years old — becoming the youngest-ever player to feature for the senior national team.
After excelling in college football and an impressive stint at Sporting CP, where she notched up goals and assists aplenty in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino, her move to Liverpool marked her first major step into one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Her time on Merseyside allowed her to mature, physically and tactically. Under Matt Beard, she improved her defensive responsibilities, pressing patterns, and off-the-ball runs — all of which make her a more rounded player heading into this new Arsenal chapter.
Fan Reactions: A Loss Felt Deeply
The reaction from Liverpool fans was a mix of admiration and heartbreak.
Across social media platforms, supporters thanked Smith for her performances and wished her well — but many also voiced disappointment at losing such a promising player so early into her Liverpool story.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote:
“Olivia Smith was one of our most exciting players. Gutted to see her go, but wish her nothing but the best at Arsenal.”
Another added:
“One season is not enough. She had so much more to give us. A real talent.”
This reaction reflects the growing emotional investment Liverpool supporters now have in the women’s side — a testament to the club’s efforts to grow the women’s game and make it a vital part of the LFC identity.
What’s Next for Liverpool FC Women?
Smith’s departure leaves a hole — both tactically and emotionally. But Liverpool’s recruitment team has been preparing for all eventualities.
Here’s what might happen next:
1. New Forward Incoming
With some funds available and a squad space open, Liverpool will look to sign a forward who can offer similar versatility. Names linked include:
- Evelyne Viens (also Canadian, currently at Roma)
- Chioma Ubogagu (free agent)
- Shanice van de Sanden (former Red, now back in the market)
2. Increased Role for Missy Bo Kearns?
Kearns, already a fan favourite, may be pushed into a more attacking role this season. Her creative output and flair could help fill the creative vacuum left by Smith.
3. Youth Promotions
Liverpool’s academy setup is thriving. Expect more minutes for young talents like Mia Enderby and Natasha Flint, who impressed in limited spells last season.
Arsenal’s Gain: A Tactical Analysis
So what exactly are Arsenal getting?
Olivia Smith brings:
- Pace and Dribbling: She excels in 1v1s, ideal against low blocks.
- Link-Up Play: Works well with midfielders who break lines — which suits Kim Little and Lia Wälti’s style.
- Pressing Energy: A tenacious presser, she will fit Eidevall’s high-intensity ethos.
- Youth and Ceiling: At 21, her best years are still to come.
In short, she’s an attacker tailor-made for the WSL’s growing physical and technical demands.
A Broader Trend: The WSL’s Evolving Landscape
Smith’s move is part of a wider trend. Top-tier clubs are aggressively targeting young, versatile talent — and aren’t hesitating to act fast.
This summer alone, we’ve seen:
- Maya Le Tissier linked with Lyon
- Katie Zelem drawing attention from Spain
- Manchester United bidding for 18-year-old Grace Clinton’s return from loan
Liverpool, for all their progress, are still navigating the financial gap between the elite and mid-tier WSL sides. And while they are building sustainably, player retention will remain a challenge unless European qualification becomes a regular outcome.
Final Thoughts: Gratitude, Growth, and Goodbye
For Olivia Smith, Liverpool was more than just a stepping stone — it was a launchpad. A place that believed in her, nurtured her, and gave her the platform to thrive in the most competitive women’s league in the world.
She leaves as a better player — and Liverpool, in turn, are better for having had her.
Transfers are never just transactions. They’re stories. This one was short, sweet, and impactful.
As she pulls on the red and white of Arsenal, Smith will carry with her the experiences of Merseyside, the roar of the Kop, and the gratitude of fans who saw something special, even if only for a season.
And who knows? Football has a way of circling back. This may not be a farewell forever.
Thank you, Olivia. Once a Red, always a Red.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
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