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Blackcaps LIVE on SN ExtraAlex Paulsen joins Motherwell in latest Kiwi move to Scotland
Sport Nation •  July 14th, 2026 7:00 am
Alex Paulsen | Photo: Adam Nurkiewicz/Photosport
New Zealand international Alex Paulsen has sealed a move to Motherwell, adding another Kiwi connection to the Scottish Premiership club.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who was part of New Zealand’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad but did not feature, arrives at Fir Park after two seasons away from parent club Bournemouth on loan.
Paulsen first caught the eye of the English Premier League side following a breakout spell at the Wellington Phoenix, where his performances made him one of the standout young goalkeepers in Australasia.
However, he has yet to make a first-team appearance for Bournemouth, instead spending time on loan at Auckland FC before heading to Poland with Lechia Gdansk last season.
The Kiwi shot-stopper made 24 appearances in Poland’s top flight, though Lechia were relegated after finishing 16th in the 18-team division.
Paulsen now becomes the latest All White to test himself in the Scottish Premiership, continuing a growing Kiwi presence at Motherwell alongside Elijah Just. The move comes following the departure of fellow goalkeeper Calum Ward from the North Lanarkshire-based club to Queens Park Rangers.
Eli Just celebrates with Tim Payne | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
"I've got a great feeling coming in here," Paulsen said. "Obviously, I've been able to speak to Elijah about the club, and everything he has said has got me excited about what's to come.
"I've had a wonderful summer with my country at the World Cup and feel fresh coming into this season. We have some huge matches just around the corner, and we all need to be ready for the competitive action.
"I've spoken to the manager and have been so impressed with the way he has spoken to me. There is a clear vision, and I hope I can help the team achieve that."
Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson believes Paulsen’s time in the A-League has prepared him well for the next step in Scotland.
"Alex had a hugely successful spell in Australia and New Zealand, where he received a number of personal accolades. He was also part of teams that liked to play a certain style of football, and they achieved their targets.
"With Calum moving on, it was obvious that we needed to recruit in this position. We see Alex as a very similar type of goalkeeper in terms of his strengths."
Paulsen now becomes the latest All White to test himself in the Scottish Premiership, continuing a growing Kiwi presence at Motherwell alongside Just.
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