Liverpool and FSG make statement of intent with record transfer signing

Liverpool FC Women have announced the club record signing of Canadian international Olivia Smith from Sporting CP. The 19-year-old, who is versatile in both midfield and attack, has signed her Reds contract at the AXA Melwood Training Centre, pending international clearance.

The ECHO reported last week that the Reds were prepared to break their transfer record to sign Smith, triggering the £210,000 release clause.

Smith joins Liverpool following an impressive debut season as a professional with Sporting in Portugal, where she was awarded Best Young Player of the Campeonato Nacional Feminino. She contributed 13 goals and nine assists in her 18 league appearances, helping her team secure Women's Champions League qualification by finishing second to Benfica.

Upon signing, Smith expressed her excitement: "Now that I'm finally here in the facility, I got to see a little bit of Liverpool, I absolutely love it and I'm super-excited," she said.

"It's definitely a prestigious club as a whole and also for my dad it's very important for him this is the club he's been watching and following since he was younger. So, it's very cool to actually be a part of this thing and get this opportunity.