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The Independent
20 minutes ago
- The Independent
Olivia Smith signs for Arsenal to become first £1m player in women's football
Arsenal have broken the world transfer record by signing Liverpool for forward Olivia Smith, making the 20-year-old the first £1m transfer in women's football. It is understood the Gunners beat competition from several clubs - including Women's Super League champions Chelsea - to sign the 20-year-old Canada international, who arrives on an undisclosed seven-figure-fee. It comes 46 years after Trevor Francis became the first male player to break the £1m barrier when he moved from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest in 1979. Arsenal's signing of Smith eclipses the previous world record transfer in the women's game set by Chelsea in January when they signed US international Naomi Girma for £900,000. 'It's a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal,' Smith said. 'It's my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe and I'm excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal. 'The atmosphere the supporters create at Emirates Stadium is incredible and I can't wait to have that behind me now.' Smith became Liverpool's record signing when she joined from Sporting Lisbon for just over £200,000 last year and she scored seven goals for the Reds in her debut WSL campaign. Arsenal have moved aggressively in the transfer market after winning the Women's Champions League in May and the club want to compete with Chelsea on the domestic front. Arsenal's director of women's football Clare Wheatley said: 'We're thrilled to bring Olivia to Arsenal. She's one of the most talented young players in the game and has huge potential for further development here at the club.' Arsenal have signed Chloe Kelly permanently after a successful loan spell from Manchester City while they have also brought in Liverpool captain Taylor Hinds to add competition to the squad. Both players began their careers at Arsenal and returned to the club as free agents. While playing for England at Euro 2025, Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp said the prospect of the first £1m player in the women's game was a positive sign. 'I think it's the direction that the women's game's going and it is great to see,' Hemp said. 'We're just focusing on tournament, [but] it is great to see and proof that women's footballers are great and that is the way that the game's going. Long may that continue.'
Daily Mirror
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Ibrahima Konate's coach backs Liverpool defender to join Real Madrid and take star's place
Ibrahima Konate has entered the final 12 months of his deal with Liverpool and there are fears that he could run down his contract before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has been backed to join Real Madrid and take Antonio Rudiger's place at centre-back. Konate, 26, is stalling on a new deal at Anfield after turning down Liverpool's first offer. The Frenchman was reportedly unhappy with the payment structure, with the contract heavily based meeting performance targets. Konate's representatives have been pushing for a higher basic wage and there are fears that he could choose to run down his current deal and leave on a free transfer in June 2026, having rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia this summer. His uncertain future has prompted speculation of a move to Madrid and Real are no strangers to signing players at the end of their contracts - especially from Liverpool. The Spanish giants convinced Trent Alexander-Arnold to reject a new deal with his boyhood club this year and have previously signed stars like David Alaba, Kylian Mbappe and Rudiger on free transfers. And it's Rudiger who'd better watch out if Konate joins that list, according to his former youth coach at French club Sochaux. Eric Hely believes that the 26-year-old is better than Rudiger and would slot into Xabi Alonso's side. "I'd say better than Rudiger, who is undoubtedly an athlete, but I think Ibrahima is technically stronger," Hely told Marca. "I'm sure he can succeed at Madrid and wherever he wants. "I think he'd fit in very well with Xabi. He can play in a three-man defence, as he did at [RB] Leipzig, and in a four-man defence. He's a kid who never caused any problems. "I remember when he came from Paris to stay at our residence. And he was always there to help and make life easier. The other kids followed him because of his charisma." Hely went on to say: "I would highlight his charisma and his simplicity, which make him a leader. He was very clear about that for a boy his age. He wanted to succeed and worked tirelessly, even on his own. "He'll listen and learn, and then he'll establish himself in the group with his personality. I don't see him as [Raphael] Varane. He's more of a [Marcel] Desailly type. He gives off a lot of confidence and has a very good footwork." Arne Slot would be reluctant to lose Konate, although the Reds have registered their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The England international is also out of contract next summer, potentially allowing Liverpool to employ the same tactic as Real by signing Guehi without paying a fee. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd legend backs Ruben Amorim over five-man bomb squad who 'simply have to leave'
Ruben Amorim has taken a firm stance over Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and the other Manchester United players who are desperate to leave the club this summer Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim's hard line stance with his petulant stars has been backed to lead the club back to the glory days of the past. Amorim has banned five United players – Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrrell Malacia – from returning to the club for pre-season training. All five want to leave and Amorim does not want their negative influence around the squad, so has told them to stay away until United's squad have left for their pre-season tour of the US. Amorim's ruthless approach has been backed by former United defender David May, who said he is right to get rid of players who put their own egos ahead of the interests of the team. 'I think this manager is perfect for the club,' said May, who won the Treble with United in 1999. 'I like what he does, how he speaks and I think the club is in really good hands with him. 'It's just the players and the mentality of some of them, who simply have to leave. You need players who will run through brick walls and who won't question, but will just get on with it. 'You can question certain things, but go and see the manager if you've not played, have it out in his office. Don't do it in the press or on social media. You see some of the stuff that's out there and it's so disrespectful, what some of the players are doing. 'You look at some of the players and their body language, and I think I'd much rather have 10 average players who will work their socks off than these prima-donnas who don't care. 'It's only when you leave the club, as a player, that you think 'wow, that is such a special place'. To be part of it, to have 70,000 people behind you, week-in, week-out, is the best feeling ever. 'These players have to realise that. I spoke to Ruben and he said 'the club is amazing, it's so special, but I feel I'm betraying the fans because I'm not getting the results'. 'I told him every fan I know absolutely loves what he's doing and he said 'nothing will change until the mentality changes' and he's spot-on.' United ended last season in 15th place, their lowest finish of the Premier League era, while defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final means no European football for only the second time in 35 years. But May, who is climbing Snowdon next month to raise funds for the Manchester United Foundation, reckons the absence of European football could work in the team's favour. 'Sometimes you have to hit rock-bottom – and I think we are at rock-bottom,' said May. 'But I think it's a blessing in disguise. You just have to concentrate on the league every week and not worry about Europe. Ruben can focus on starting the season well. We've got a great opening game, at home to Arsenal, and it's important we get off on the right foot. 'This pre-season is all about getting the right players in and certain players out. Matheus Cunha, there's something about him, he's a bit like Eric Cantona. He has that nastiness about him. United need that and I'm sure the fans will absolutely adore him. The fact Bryan Mbeumo said he wants to come here – how good is that to hear? He's not coming for the money. 'I don't see any reason why we can't be pushing for the top four next season. There are no distractions with Europe, it's just a case of focusing on every league game. You can't have any excuses and you can't feel tired, because you're not playing every three or four days like last season.'
