Written by Anne M. Peterson
A source familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Lizbeth Ovalle is anticipated to sign a record $1.5 million transfer fee to join the Orlando Pride from Mexico’s Tigres UANL.
By Monday, the National Women’s Soccer League’s transfer deadline, the deal should be finalized. Since the agreement had not yet been properly signed, the individual spoke on condition of anonymity.
In the English Women’s Super League last month, Arsenal paid Liverpool $1.3 million for Canadian striker Olivia Smith; the transfer cost is more than that amount. Chelsea’s January payment of $1.1 million to the San Diego Wave for defender Naomi Girma set a new record.
Since joining the Tigres of Liga MX Femenil in 2017, Ovalle, a 25-year-old winger, has guided the team to six championships. With 136 goals, she is the team’s all-time top scorer.
She has also scored 20 goals in 58 games for the Mexican national team.
Ovalle, also known as La Maga (The Magician), went viral on social media this year after he scored a goal in a Tigres game against Guadalajara that was referred to as a scorpion kick goal while facing away from the net.
