Auckland FC have confirmed star goalkeeper Alex Paulsen has returned to English Premier League club AFC Bournemouth after a one-season loan spell at the Black Knights.
The New Zealand international kept a league-high 13 clean sheets through 28 games, playing every minute of Auckland’s historic Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership title in the club’s inaugural season.
Paulsen joined Bournemouth in 2024 after spending the first three seasons of his senior career at Wellington Phoenix, but returned to the Isuzu UTE A-League for the following term on loan at the Black Knights.
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The Isuzu UTE A-League Goalkeeper of the Year expressed his gratitude to the club as he returned to Bournemouth and the Premier League.
“It has been a wild 12 months, better than I could ever have dreamed of,” Paulsen said.
“I’ve had an incredible experience and grateful to all the fans, my teammates and coaches and staff that have supported me. They have really helped me develop as a player and a man.”
“I’m looking forward to returning to Bournemouth and embracing whatever opportunities lie ahead,” he added.
“But I won’t forget where I’m from. I started my career here with Onehunga Sports, my friends and family are all here, so being able to play here and lifting the plate has meant a lot to me. I’ve loved it all, especially spending time with fans post-match. That’s when you really feel the love.”
Bournemouth President of Football Operations Tiago Pinto says the club is excited to work with Paulsen upon his return to the club in July.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Alex back to England,” Pinto said.
“His individual achievements, as well as those achieved by Auckland in their inaugural season in the A League, are something to be proud of.
“We’re excited to work with Alex when he returns to Bournemouth in July and would like to extend our thanks to Auckland for their key role in his development.”
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