Nottingham Forest have announced their first signing of the winter transfer window, with Libby Smith joining the side for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

Smith, an attacking forward, brings a catalogue of experience to the team, with her most recent experience being with Sporting Club Jacksonville.

Within her youth career, Smith was a product of the Chelsea academy, putting her in good stead moving forward.

She then made the move to Leicester City in 2018, before being offered her first professional contract with the club in 2020.

The 24-year-old went on to become a crucial part of the 2020/21 team that lifted the Women’s Championship title, securing them promotion to the Women’s Super League in the following season.

However, following the promotion, Smith moved across the Midlands to join Birmingham City, under the new management of Scott Booth.

This move helped to shape Smith into the flexible player that she now is, as she went on to gather over 50 appearances for the WSL side over the next four years.

In September 2025, Smith moved stateside to play for Sporting Club Jacksonville in Florida, before joining the Reds alongside the River Trent.

I’m delighted to have signed for Forest,” said Smith. “It’s such an ambitious club, full of history, so I’m really happy to be here.”

Nottingham Forest Women Head Coach, Carly Davies, added: “Libby brings valuable experience from winning this league with Leicester City, and that winning mentality is exactly what we want in this group.”

*Article provided by Abigail Murphy (Women’s Football Correspondent).

*Main image @NFFCWomen Libby Smith joins Forest with a wealth of experience.