Isuzu UTE A-League Goalkeeper of the Year Alex Paulsen will return to the competition for the 2024-25 season after joining newcomers Auckland FC on loan from their sister club AFC Bournemouth.
The 22-year-old earned a move to the Premier League outfit after a breakout season with Wellington Phoenix, where he played every minute of the campaign and kept a club record 12 clean sheets, winning Young Footballer of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year Awards to go with being named captain of the PFA Team of the Year.
Originally from Auckland, Paulsen moved to Wellington to join the Phoenix Academy in 2018 due to a lack of professional football opportunities.
Nick Becker, Auckland FC CEO, called the signing proof that those opportunities now exist for young New Zealand football talent through Auckland FC and its multi-club network in some of Europe’s top leagues.
“Alex is one of only two current New Zealanders signed to a Premier League club and it’s perfectly normal for a young keeper at Alex’s level to go out on loan,” Becker said.
“The benefit for Paulsen and the A-Leagues is we can bring him back home to play his loan period in Auckland.”
Auckland head coach Steve Corica added: “He was brilliant last season, and he has just returned from a successful Olympics with the OlyWhites.
“He is athletic, a strong shot-stopper and a commanding presence on crosses. He has also demonstrated superb anticipation and is comfortable playing out from the back off both feet. I am delighted he has decided to join us.
“Alex has really bought into the style of football we as a club want to play and he is a terrific result of how Kiwi footballers are putting their best foot forward on the world stage.”
It has been a whirlwind off-season for Paulsen, who not only recognised his dream with a Premier League move but also won the OFC Nations Cup with the All Whites and represented New Zealand at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Having recently returned home, the rising star goalkeeper will link up with his new teammates ahead of their pre-season trip to Sydney.
“Auckland is my home, and I haven’t had many opportunities to play in my city and in front of my friends and family. I’m really excited by the opportunity to return to my hometown and continue to develop as a player,” said Paulsen.
“There is so much excitement around the club and what we’re building here. I’ve only been home for a few days and I’ve seen people walking around in the new home strip and you can feel the energy around the club and the city.”
Paulsen’s arrival at Auckland FC looks set to ignite the burgeoning A-Leagues rivalry that is emerging in New Zealand.
The Black Knights and Wellington Phoenix will meet for the first time in Round 3, with Sky Stadium hosting the blockbuster clash on November 2.
