The A-League's Kiwi Derby between Auckland FC and the Wellington Phoenix just got a whole lot spicier.
Auckland FC announced the signing of former Phoenix and All Whites goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, on loan from AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League for the 2024-25 A-League season.
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Paulsen made one of the greatest leaps in the history of New Zealand sport when plucked from the Phoenix team to join Bournemouth, owned by Auckland FC owner Bill Foley, on a multi-year deal.
The 22-year-old now returns to his hometown, proof of the opportunities that exist for young NZ football talent through Foley's multi-club network in the top European leagues.
When Paulsen was sold to Bournemouth in June, the Phoenix said he would not be able to be loaned back to Auckland FC.
"The Wellington Phoenix are seeking further information about Alex Paulsen’s loan move from AFC Bournemouth to Auckland FC," the club said in a statement.
"While the club in principle supports adapting the ‘Caceres Clause’ to allow Paulsen to return to the A-League for the 2024-25 season, it has a number of questions that have yet to be answered.
"Most importantly we don’t know what “player registration and salary cap treatment guardrails” will be in place that Australian Professional Leagues (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."
Paulsen will be a formidable presence between the sticks, according to our Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica
“He was brilliant last season, and he has just returned from a successful Olympics with the OlyWhites,” said Corica.
“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.”
Paulsen joins the Black Knights following a breakout season with the Phoenix that saw him keep a club record 12 clean sheets in 27 league matches and saving three penalties.
Paulsen was voted captain of the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) team of the year in May, was named the A-League goalkeeper of the year, fans’ A-League player of the year, and was joint-winner of the young A-League footballer of the year award.
Having recently returned from Paris with the OlyWhites, Paulsen has linked up with the squad ahead of a 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.”
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