Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Auckland FC bolster midfield with signing of Bayliss
Sport Nation • June 24th, 2026 11:21 am
Lachlan Bayliss | Photo: Auckland FC
Auckland FC have confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder Lachlan Bayliss from Newcastle Jets.
The 23 year old arrives after a standout period in Australia, where he made 71 appearances across all competitions for the Jets, scoring six goals.
Bayliss was part of the Newcastle side that claimed the A-League Premiership and Australia Cup double in the 2025/26 season.
"To be joining Auckland off the back of a World Cup is a dream," Bayliss said in a statement.
"There's no better time to be a New Zealand footballer and I want to bring that energy to Auckland FC. I've seen what this club means to the fans.
"The club has ambition, and the fans are incredible. I've experienced that atmosphere as an opponent, and it's something else."
Born in Australia and raised in Darwin, Bayliss qualifies for New Zealand through his late father.
The four cap All White made his international debut against Finland in March 2026, having previously represented New Zealand at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Lachlan Bayliss | Photo: Auckland FC
He is also part of All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley’s 26 man squad for the FIFA World Cup in North America.
Bayliss began his A-League career with Central Coast Mariners Academy in the 2022/23 season before moving to Newcastle Jets.
Across three seasons with the Jets, he made 62 A-League appearances, contributing six goals and five assists.
He also featured in seven Australia Cup matches, including four appearances during Newcastle’s successful 2025 campaign.
Bayliss caught the eye last season with a 21 second strike against the Wellington Phoenix, which earned him a nomination for A-League Goal of the Season.
He finished his time at Newcastle by helping the club lift the Premier’s Plate and was named in the PFA Team of the Season.
Auckland FC Director of Football Terry McFlynn said Bayliss had been on the club’s radar for some time.
"Lachlan is a player we've had our eye on for some time," McFlynn said.
"He's energetic, versatile and has the technical quality to hurt teams going forward. Winning the Premiership and the Cup with Newcastle shows he knows what it takes to win, we're delighted to have him in Auckland."
Bayliss can play as a No. 6, No. 8, No. 10 and out wide, giving Auckland another versatile attacking option. He will link up with his new teammates following his return from the FIFA World Cup.
Sport Nation is an official radio broadcaster of FIFA World Cup 2026 this June/July - download the app today on Google Play and the App Store.
