Star goalkeeper Alex Paulsen leaves Wellington for English Premier League

One of the A-League’s best young talents is moving to an English Premier League club.

Alex Paulsen has joined English Premier League club Bournemouth. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

A-League All-Stars goalkeeper Alex Paulsen has joined English Premier League club Bournemouth.

The 21-year-old gloveman, who was also named captain of the PFA’s team of the A-League season, had a standout campaign for a Wellington Phoenix side that finished second on the ladder and fell a week short of the grand final.

“I’m humbled to be considered worthy of signing with Bournemouth in the Premier League,” said Paulsen, whose move has secured the Phoenix a club record transfer fee.

“It means the world to me, my family and to my friends to be offered an opportunity to play in the best league on the planet, which most aspiring young footballers only dream of.

“I’m proud of the accomplishments I’ve achieved in what was the Phoenix’s most successful season.

“However, I am my own worst critic and I am obsessed with wanting to improve, so I really want to use this season as a foundation to scale up and take it to another level.”

A-League All-Stars keeper Alex Paulsen has signed a deal with English Premier League club Bournemouth. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said the Cherries, whose chairman is Auckland FC owner Bill Foley, were “very pleased” to secure Paulsen’s services.

“He’s an exciting prospect with so much potential, and his development has been clear for all to see during an excellent season in the A-League,” Blake said.

Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano was “proud” of Paulsen.

“His move aligns perfectly with the club’s transfer strategy,” Italiano said.

“The goal from day one was playing the young guys, getting them in the shop window and giving them the ability to progress to the next level.”

Originally published as Star goalkeeper Alex Paulsen leaves Wellington for English Premier League