PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool FC women breaks transfer record for the Canadian

Liverpool FC Women are making headlines now with their latest club record signing of Canadian international Olivia Smith from Sporting CP. While only being 19 years old, she is a versatile talent capable of playing in the attack and in the midfield area. She has officially signed her contract at the AXA Melwood Training Centre and is just waiting for the international clearance. This signing showcases The Red’s approach of going for the best and increasing the quality of the squad even further.

It was reported last week that Liverpool are ready to break the transfer record for Smith, triggering the £210,000 release clause in her contract with Sporting CP. This also showcases Liverpool’s approach of investing in the young talents and improve the squad quality.

A Stellar Debut Season for Smith

Smith had an amazing debut season with Sporting CP in Portugal. With 13 goals and 9 assist in just 18 appearances, she received the Best Young Player of the Campeonato Nacional Feminino award. Her efforts were instrumental in helping Sporting secure Women’s Champions League qualification by finishing second to Benfica.

Smith also showed her excitement on joining Liverpool. “Now that I am here, I get the chance to see Liverpool. I absolutely love it and I’m super-excited. It is a prestigious club and it is also very important for my dad as he has been following them since he was young. It is actually cool and exciting to be a part of this and I am very happy to be here.”

Smith’s journey showcases how rapidly she grew to the top in the Women’s football. At just 15 years and 94 days old, she made history as Canada’s youngest-ever player when she debuted in November 2019. Till now she played in 10 matches and also was part of the 2023 world cup squad. Additionally, she was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament prize at the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup earlier this year.

Before her stint with Sporting CP, Smith played for North Toronto Nitros in her homeland and then at Penn State University. Her switch to Sporting in July 2023 set the stage for her breakout season in Europe, showcasing her potential on a larger stage.

Manager’s Delight for Liverpool

Liverpool FC Women manager Matt Beard has been tracking Smith’s career for a while and expressed his pleasure at securing her signature. “A lot of work has gone into it, we’ve been monitoring her now for the last year-and-a-half. I’m excited; fans should be excited by her too,” Beard stated.

“She’s a fantastic talent, and a great personality as well. Hopefully, we can see that personality and that talent on the pitch. The conversations that we’ve had, the games that we’ve watched, we’re really looking forward to working with her. She’s got so many quality attributes she’s quick, two-footed, [can] score, assist, can tackle. Definitely my type of player. I think the first thing that everyone knows we look at is the work ethic, and she’s got that in abundance. Her attitude to want to improve is fantastic. Fingers crossed that she can improve here and kick on from where she left off from Sporting. We’re really excited by Olivia.”

The Road Ahead

Smith will don the No. 11 jersey for Liverpool FC Women in the 2024/25 season. Her addition to the squad comes at a time when Liverpool is looking to build on the progress they made last season with a young and dynamic team. Smith’s versatility in both midfield and attack will provide Beard with tactical flexibility and an additional goal-scoring threat.

For Smith, the move represents an opportunity to grow and develop under the guidance of a seasoned manager and within one of the most competitive leagues in women’s football. “I think the biggest thing for me is, where can I grow? And that comes down to the coach and the staff, and I think Matt has proved that he’s definitely someone who can help me grow and this is one of the best leagues in the world. Having come here after my first pro season is unbelievable and I’m very excited to learn and grow and become the best that I can be,” she added.

Conclusion

The signing of Olivia Smith signals Liverpool FC Women’s ambition and dedication to building a formidable team capable of competing at the highest levels. With her talent, versatility, and determination, Smith is poised to make a significant impact and help lead Liverpool to new heights in the coming seasons. As the club continues to invest in promising young players, the future looks bright for Liverpool FC Women.

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