Motherwell sign goalkeeper Alex Paulsen on season-long loan from Bournemouth

Motherwell have signed one of Elijah Just’s World Cup team-mates as goalkeeper Alex Paulsen joins on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

The 24-year-old New Zealand international arrives after Calum Ward left for QPR on the back of being named in the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year.

Paulsen joined Bournemouth for a seven-figure fee in 2024 after helping Wellington Phoenix to runners-up spot in the A-League.

He returned to New Zealand to join Auckland on loan and set an Australian record by going 532 minutes before conceding a goal on the way to title success.

Paulsen was first-choice goalkeeper for Lechi Gdansk in the Polish top flight and now moves to Scotland for his third loan spell.

Manager Alfred Johansson, who has now made three signings, told Motherwell’s website: “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.

“Matty (Connelly) did very well in our friendly match in Denmark and against Carlisle, and bringing Alex in will increase competition in this area.”

Paulsen, who has eight international caps, said: “I’ve got a great feeling coming in here.

“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 know coming here that I’ll need to work hard to get into this team. There is a strong goalkeeping contingent already in the building, so the work starts now for me.

“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.”