New A-League club Auckland FC have announced they have signed former Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen on loan from English Premier League club Bournemouth.
After representing New Zealand at the Olympic Games, Paulsen (22) has returned to Auckland to train with his new teammates ahead of their pre-season trip to Sydney where they’ll play friendlies against A-League opposition.
“Auckland is my home, and I haven’t had many opportunities to play in my city and in front of my friends and family.” Paulsen says.
“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.”
Main photo: Alex Paulsen is revealed as an Auckland FC player. Photo credit: Auckland FC.
Head coach Steve Corica said: “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.”
Bournemouth are owned by Bill Foley’s Black Knight Group, who have a majority stake in Auckland FC.
Meanwhile, the Wellington Phoenix are seeking more information about the loan move.
A statement from Phoenix general manager Dave Dome said: “While the club in principle supports adapting the ‘Caceres Clause’ to allow Paulsen to return to the Isuzu UTE A-League for the 2024-25 season, it has a number of questions that have yet to be answered by Australian Professional Leagues (APL).
“Most importantly, we don’t know what ‘player registration and salary cap treatment guardrails’ will be in place that APL say will ‘balance development of the A-League while ensuring competition integrity’.
“We also note all player contract regulations and competition policies have yet to be approved by Football Australia.”
Last season, Paulsen kept a club record of 12 clean sheets, saved three penalties and won a number of Phoenix and A-League awards.
In June, a deal was finalised between Bournemouth and the Phoenix for Paulsen’s transfer to the English club for an undisclosed fee, reportedly in the region of NZ$4 million.
READ MORE: It’s a deal! Alex Paulsen completes move from Phoenix to Bournemouth >>>>
Paulsen becomes the 10th All White to be signed by the A-League expansion club. He has one cap for New Zealand.
This story was first published on August 9, 2024.
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