Liverpool welcome Canadian International Smith from Sporting CP

Liverpool FC Women have confirmed the signing of Canada international Olivia Smith from Sporting CP.

The 19-year-old player is capable of playing both in midfield and attack

Expressing her excitement, Smith told Liverpoolfc.com, "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. 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."

Smith joins Liverpool after an impressive first professional season in Portugal with Sporting CP, where she was named Best Young Player of the Campeonato Nacional Feminino.

She scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 18 league appearances, helping her team secure Women's Champions League qualification by finishing runners-up to Benfica.

Reflecting on her new team, Smith said, "I think it's super-exciting because we have such a young team and [last] season they were amazing. I'm excited to be a part of a squad like this. I definitely feel like I can contribute to the players and the team and the staff itself – just as a person but also as a player, pushing for that Champions League spot for next year."

Smith has already made significant strides on the international stage. She became Canada's youngest-ever player when she debuted at age 15 years and 94 days in November 2019.

To date, she has earned 10 senior caps and featured at the 2023 Women's World Cup. She also received the Young Player of the Tournament prize at the Concacaf W Gold Cup earlier this year.

Discussing her decision to join Liverpool, Smith added, "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 [Beard] 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."