Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen ‘lost for words’ after signing with AFC Bournemouth

Wednesday, 5 June 2024

Alex Paulsen speaks to the media after signing with Premier League club Bournemouth.

Premier League club AFC Bournemouth sign goalkeeper Alex Paulsen from Wellington Phoenix.

The deal will net the Phoenix a reported $4 million, breaking the previous club record for an outgoing transfer.

Paulsen saved three penalties and kept 12 clean sheets during a breakout A-League Men season.

From the A-League to the English Premier League.

Wellington Phoenix rising star Alex Paulsen will be tasked with stopping some of the best strikers in the world from next season after completing a “dream” move to AFC Bournemouth.

Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen has signed a four-year deal with Premier League club Bournemouth.

Paulsen has signed a four-year contract with the club on England’s south coast.

The deal will net the Phoenix a reported $4 million, smashing the club’s outgoing transfer record set when Sarpreet Singh joined German giants Bayern Munich in 2019 for approximately $1 million.

“As a kid I grew up watching the Phoenix play and to leave here with a Premier League club, it’s fantastic to know that I’ve created a bit of history,” Paulsen said.

Born in Auckland, Paulsen moved to Wellington to join the Phoenix academy when he was 15.

He signed his first professional contract with the Phoenix in 2021 after representing New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics.

After watching from the sidelines for two years, Paulsen finally got his chance in the A-League when Oli Sail headed for Perth Glory at the end of last season.

He made an immediate impression, saving a stoppage-time penalty to salvage a nail-biting 2-1 win over Perth in round two.

Alex Paulsen makes a save during the Phoenix’s semifinal first leg match against Melbourne Victory.

After saving two more penalties and impressing with his footwork, Paulsen quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the A-League.

He kept a club record 12 clean sheets and played a starring role as the Phoenix defied pre-season expectations by achieving their best-regular season finish before bowing out at the semifinal stage.

Paulsen scooped a bunch of end-of-season accolades on the back of his heroics in the Phoenix goal, named goalkeeper of the year, the joint-winner of the young player of the year award and captain in the PFA team of the season.

He also started in the A-League All Stars’ 8-0 demolition of Premier League club Newcastle United.

Paulsen said he first learned of Bournemouth’s interest through his agent Tony Rallis six weeks ago.

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley discusses Alex Paulsen's move to Bournemouth.

It’s understood Chelsea and Liverpool also made enquiries but Paulsen said he was sold on Bournemouth because they showed the most intent.

“I was lost for words because it’s a big moment for me and my family to get an opportunity from Bournemouth and for them to be interested in signing me and I’m very grateful for that,” Paulsen added.

“We’ve discussed an action plan and I’d like to reiterate that it’s a four-year deal and they wouldn’t be giving me a four-year deal without being invested in me.”

Paulsen’s move to Bournemouth comes just one month after the Phoenix sold midfielder Macey Fraser to National Women’s Soccer League club Utah Royals in a record A-League Women transfer, reinforcing the club’s decision to focus on youth development.

Academy products Singh, Liberato Cacace (Sint-Truiden) and Ben Waine (Plymouth Argyle) have also been sold to overseas clubs in recent years but Paulsen is the first to make the jump straight to the Premier League – widely regarded as the world’s best.

“We are all thrilled for AP,” director of football Shaun Gill said. “As well as being an exceptionally talented goalkeeper, he works incredibly hard on his game and is a great human being.

Alex Paulsen speaks to reporters after signing with AFC Bournemouth.

“We’ve seen him grow into the player and person he is now since joining the academy as a 15-year-old, and it’s fantastic the Phoenix have been able to help him secure a dream move to the Premier League.

“It shows there’s a clear pathway for young Kiwi footballers to come through our academy, play for the Nix and then make the step up to the very highest level. We look forward to helping more players realise their dreams of playing abroad.”

Paulsen has been signed as a potential long-term successor to Bournemouth’s captain, Brazilian goalkeeper Neto, but he will likely provide cover or be sent out on loan to continue his development in the short-term.

Bournemouth have spent the past two seasons in England’s top flight after earning promotion from the Championship. The Cherries are coming off a creditable 12th place finish.

The club is owned by American billionaire Bill Foley, who also owns Auckland FC. However, Paulsen’s move is not linked to the A-League expansion club.

Paulsen’s departure will likely force the Phoenix to enter the market for a new starting goalkeeper.

Back-up Jack Duncan is out of contract but remains in discussions with the club, while teenager Alby Kelly-Heald has signed a scholarship deal through to 2026-27 but is yet to make his professional debut.

Paulsen will link up with Bournemouth for pre-season in early July after attending the OFC Nations Cup, where he will be looking to make his All Whites debut.