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Find your Sport Nation frequencyAuckland FC snare former Phoenix star Paulsen for inaugural A-League campaign
Riccardo Ball • August 9th, 2024 10:35 am
The A-League rivalry between New Zealand's two clubs, Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC, is set to go to another level.
Alex Paulsen, Auckland born but Wellington famous, has been unveiled as the number 1 stopper for the team from the City of Sails on loan from English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
The 22-year-old was a breakout star for the Phoenix last season, named the competition's Goalkeeper of the Year as he helped guide the franchise to their best finish with a club record 12 clean sheets. He was also named Young Footballer of the Year and earned a spot on the PFA Team of the Year.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is also the owner of Auckland FC, has managed to navigate the Caceres Rule that the A-League implemented after Adrian Caceres moved from the Central Coast Mariners to Melbourne City via their parent club Manchester City.
Under that rule parent clubs couldn't buy players from other A-League clubs and then loan them to clubs within their ownership group. The A-League are working on tweaks to the rule now that there are multiple clubs in the A-League who are part of larger ownership groups.
This was a rule Phoenix fans were hanging their hopes on so that fan favourite and player of the year last season, Paulsen wouldn't sign with their new rivals.
Instead, Paulsen will return to his hometown, where he'll provide an enormous boost to coach Steve Corica's roster.
Instead, Paulsen will return to his hometown, where he'll provide an enormous boost to coach Steve Corica's roster.
"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 said.
"I’m really excited by the opportunity to return to my hometown and continue to develop as a player."
Corica says he's delighted to secure the services of Paulsen, who is fresh from an impressive Paris 2024 campaign.
"He was brilliant last season, and he has just returned from a successful Olympics with the OlyWhites," he 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."
Paulsen will link up the club ahead of their pre-season trip to Sydney.
