Alex Paulsen has pledged his future to Wellington Phoenix by signing a multi-year contract extension with the Isuzu UTE A-League club.
In a coup for Wellington after an eye-catching start to 2023-24, the Phoenix goalkeeper – out of contract at the end of the season – has re-signed through until the conclusion of the 2026-27 campaign.
Paulsen has taken the league by storm in the absence of former keeper Oli Sail after helping the Phoenix to an unbeaten start through two rounds.
The 21-year-old was the star of the show in round one as he produced a number of stellar saves to thwart Western Sydney Wanderers in a 0-0 draw before making a dramatic 88th-minute penalty save to secure a 2-1 win over Perth Glory last week.
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“I’m very grateful and delighted to sign an extension with the Phoenix for three more years,” said Paulsen, who only has six senior appearances to his name.
“It’s the club I grew up watching and to be given an opportunity to continue to represent the Nix gives me confidence, knowing that they trust my ability to help us achieve success together.
“I’m surrounded by good people here at the Phoenix, which is a true testament to the club’s culture, and I still feel I have more to give; more passion, more hunger and more desire to win.”
Paulsen added: “Wellington is my second home. I’ve been here for six years and I’ve really matured here.
“I feel the Wellington Phoenix have the best resources, the best facilities and overall the best people to help me push and strive to be the best goalkeeper and person that I can be.
“The Phoenix have invested in me since I was at the academy and I want to return the favour and ensure the club earns the respect it deserves.”
Giancarlo Italiano, who replaced Ufuk Talay at the start of the season, heaped praise on the young goalkeeper.
“I think it’s very important for the Phoenix, given AP’s been at the club for a long period of time,” he said.
“He’s shown so much potential when he was younger and now we’re starting to see why so much time was invested in him. It’s important the club keeps building on that.
“I think he genuinely loves being at the club and he’s loyal because of the opportunity the club’s given him.
“After the last couple of rounds there are going to be plenty of people taking interest in him and there are going to be clubs after him, but he recognises where he got his first opportunity and where he’s going to thrive long-term.”
