LATEST AFC Bournemouth signing Alex Paulsen revealed that conversations with Cherries’ technical director Simon Francis convinced him to make the switch from New Zealand to the Premier League.

21-year-old Paulsen will become Cherries’ first new addition of the summer transfer window when it opens later this month, the goalkeeper arriving for a reported initial fee of £850,000 from A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix.

Paulsen has signed a four-year contract with Cherries, tying the shot stopper to Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2028.

Asked what enticed him to make the move to Cherries amidst interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, Paulsen replied: “It was more the fact that I had conversations with Simon Francis, the friendly nature that he came across to me, the intention that they brought towards the action plan, when I'm going over to Bournemouth.

“Then what also satisfied me as well is that they looked at me personally for my goalkeeping abilities, not anything else.

“The fact that I can play out from the back, I'm a shot stopper as well.

“The fact that they were able to look at those abilities in me, first and foremost, is what drew my attention.

“I'm very excited.

“It's a big moment for my family.

“I'm just very, very thrilled to hopefully look forward to what the next steps are on offer.

“I mean, I was lost for words, to be fair.

“It's a big moment for me and my family, to get an opportunity from Bournemouth, to actually be interested in signing me as well. So I'm just very grateful for that.”

Paulsen went on to share how Cherries had shown an interest for some time.

“So it was myself and my agent,” he restarted.

“He kept me informed for close to six weeks ago about particular interest.

“And Bournemouth were the ones that caught our eye and were very intentional with their proposal and the fantastic opportunity for them to give to me.

“That's how it kind of came about. And then my agent went from there.

“If you take into account where I was last season, I would like to say it's probably quicker than usual, but at the same time, throughout the season, I've grown, I've learnt, I've developed.

“I don't think I would have been in this position without the support of my staff and my teammates as well to get me into a position to have this opportunity to sign with Bournemouth in the Premier League.”

With goalies Neto and Mark Travers already fighting it out for the number one shirt at Cherries, Paulsen joins a strong goalkeeping stable.

He continued:  “We've discussed an action plan. I like to reiterate it's a four-year deal.

“They wouldn't be giving me this four-year deal without a potential opportunity or an action plan invested in me.

“So there is discussions with the action plan and what that looks like.”