Mexico’s Lizbeth Ovalle poised to break world transfer record with move to NWSL

   Mexico’s standout Lizbeth Ovalle is closing in on a move from LigaMX to the NWSL in a deal that would set a new world transfer record in women’s football.

Sources in Mexico and the US report that Orlando Pride, reigning NWSL champions, are finalising a deal with Tigres Femenil worth about $1.5 million.

What is already a world record fee could stretch even further, with some reports suggesting it could reach $2 million. Tigres are also understood to have secured a 10% sell-on clause to gain even more from their star player even after she’s left the club.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, long tipped for a move to Europe and previously linked with Barcelona, would become the first Mexican player, male or female, to hold the global transfer record.

The current high mark belongs to Canada’s Olivia Smith, who joined Arsenal last month for £1 million ($1.34m).

That world record dial is constantly shifting, having been broken four times in two years.

Ovalle has been a central figure for Tigres since her debut in 2017, winning six Liga MX Femenil titles and three Campeón de Campeonas trophies.

Internationally, she has more than 50 caps and lit up the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup with a stunning opening goal in Mexico’s 2-0 win over the United States.

Orlando sit third in the table this season behind Kansas City Current and the San Diego Wave, and are equipped with an already strong side that Ovalle would add further firepower to.

The club will hope to have the deal confirmed ahead of their clash with Gotham FC next week.

Orlando have navigated the NWSL’s $550,000 net transfer spend limit by using flexibility created through the sale of Brazilian midfielder Adriana to Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia for $500,000, a fee spread over two years.

Ovalle’s move signals the next step in the increasing financial significance of the women’s game, where transfer fees are creeping up to match the investment flooding into the sport.