The WSL has long been the dominant force in women’s soccer when it comes to blockbuster transfers. But from the looks it, the NWSL now looks ready to raise its own game. Orlando Pride is finalizing a $1.5 million move for Mexican international Lizbeth Ovalle — a deal set to eclipse even recent WSL records.
Sources told ESPN the fee, spread evenly over her three-year contract, would make Ovalle the first Mexican player — male or female — to command a world-record transfer sum. Tigres will also receive a 10% sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Ovalle reportedly had multiple NWSL suitors, with as many as six clubs pursuing her before Orlando closed in. The current women’s transfer record belongs to Canadian star Olivia Smith, who joined Arsenal last month for about $1.34 million.
Orlando’s big splash comes after their $500,000 sale of Brazilian midfielder Adriana to Al Qadsiah earlier this year, giving the reigning NWSL champions additional flexibility to complete this historic signing. Ovalle has spent her entire career with Tigres since debuting in 2017, winning six Liga MX Femenil titles and three Campeón de Campeonas trophies.
On the international stage, she has earned over 50 caps for Mexico, was named to the Best XI at last year’s Concacaf W Gold Cup, and scored a stunning opener against the U.S. in this year’s tournament — a 2-0 win that marked a historic moment for El Tri Femenil.
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