In June, AFC Bournemouth announced the signing of goalkeeper Alex Paulsen from Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
The 21-year-old made the move in a deal worth in the region of £850,000, but could rise to around £ 2 million, depending on infamous add-ons and clauses.
Having previously played for New Zealand at both under-17 and under-23 level, Paulsen represented his country at the Olympics in France this summer, but focus now shifts back to club football.
His immediate future will see him return back to New Zealand, to play in Australia’s A-League, for AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley’s new New Zealand franchise Auckland FC.
This move doesn’t sound all too surprising, considering the multi-club model being set-up by Bill Foley’s Black Knight FC group, with 100% ownership of both AFC Bournemouth and Auckland FC.
AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola also told the Daily Echo, that this was the intention all along.
“It was the plan.
“A little bit similar to Jebbo (Daniel Jebbison). I think they are very young players that can be part of our future, but for them right now, probably the best thing is to get minutes every week.
“After the Olympics, it was the option for him what we were thinking from the beginning.”
However, it appears to have upset former club Wellington Phoenix. Who have complained about the deal, which needs official approval.
Club statement from Phoenix general manager David Dome
The Wellington Phoenix are seeking further information about Alex Paulsen’s loan move from A.F.C. Bournemouth to Auckland FC.
While the club in principle supports adapting the ‘Caceres Clause’ to allow Paulsen to return to… pic.twitter.com/ZSyXnLL29W
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) August 8, 2024
The reason they are against the loan switch is that such deals between two clubs with the same ownership were previously not permitted. However, there are proposals for those rules to change this season, hence the move by Black Knight FC.
Your say…
kitso said…
Wellington Phoenix play in the A-League against 11 Oz teams – think Welsh teams playing in the English leagues.
A few years back they started to expand and Auckland were granted a franchise license this year.
Paulsen was Phoenix’s number one keeper and was well thought of, so going to a competitor especially a new NZ team isn’t going down well. – To join the conversation, click here.
