The Wellington Phoenix have announced that goalkeeper Alex Paulsen has signed a multi-year contract extension with the club.
Paulsen's new deal will see him stay with the Phoenix through until the end of the 2026-27 A- League season.
The deal comes after the 21-year-old finally earned the No.1 shifrt this season, having bided his time on the bench last season behind All Whites keeper Oli Sail.
Paulsen has been handed starts under new manager Giancarlo Italiano in the Phoenix's new season and has already had an impact, earning player of the match honours in the season-opening draw against Western Sydney Wanderers, before saving a penalty to secure the team's 2-1 win over Perth Glory last weekend.
"It's the club I grew up watching and to be given an opportunity to continue to represent the Nix gives me confidence, knowing that they trust my ability to help us achieve success together," Paulsen said.
"I'm surrounded by good people here at the Phoenix, which is a true testament to the club's culture, and I still feel I have more to give; more passion, more hunger and more desire to win."
Paulsen grew up in Auckland but is a product of the Phoenix's academy system and while he would have been an obvious target for the new expansion club, but didn't entertain a move north.
"Wellington is my second home. I've been here for six years and I've really matured here," he said.
"I feel the Wellington Phoenix have the best resources, the best facilities and overall the best people to help me push and strive to be the best goalkeeper and person that I can be."
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