Auckland FC have secured their first off‑season acquisition: All Whites midfielder Lachlan Bayliss joins the club ahead of the 2026‑27 campaign. The 23‑year‑old arrives after a breakout season with the Newcastle Jets, where he scored five goals, supplied four assists and helped the side clinch the A‑League Premiership.

How did Bayliss perform last season?

Bayliss featured in 71 matches for the Jets over three years, finishing the 2025‑26 season as a key contributor to their surprise Premiership Plate. His five goals and four assists earned him a place in the competition’s Team of the Season and a debut for New Zealand in March against Finland. He also made the World Cup squad, although he has yet to appear in the tournament’s two New Zealand games.

Why is the signing important for Auckland?

Director of football Terry McFlynn explained that Bayliss brings energy, versatility and a winner’s mindset. "He’s energetic, versatile and has the technical quality to hurt teams going forward," McFlynn said. The midfielder’s experience of winning both the Premiership and the Cup with Newcastle should help Auckland maintain its push for silverware after a strong start to the current A‑League season – the club sit 3rd in the league with 42 points from 26 games (11W‑9D‑6L) and a recent form of DLDDL.

What does the squad look like now?

Bayliss is the first new signing, but Auckland have already re‑signed goalkeeper Michael Woud and midfielder Cam Howieson, the latter scoring the lone goal in the grand‑final win over Sydney FC. Departures include defender Dan Hall, striker Guillermo May and forward Jesse Randall, who moved to Dundee United. The futures of Felipe Gallegos, vice‑captain Jake Brimmer and several young prospects remain uncertain, while the club continues its search for a new head coach after Steve Corica and Danny Hay left for Yokohama F. Marinos.

When will Bayliss join the squad?

The midfielder will report to Auckland after the World Cup, with preseason training slated to begin early next month. He expressed his excitement: "To be joining Auckland off the back of a World Cup is a dream. There’s no better time to be a New Zealand footballer and I want to bring that energy to Auckland FC."

What does the recent form suggest?

Auckland’s most recent result was a 1‑0 victory over Sydney on 23 May 2026, and the team has gone unbeaten in its last five matches (2W‑3D‑0L), currently riding a two‑game winning streak. With 42 goals scored and 29 conceded this season (+13 goal difference), the addition of Bayliss could add the creative spark needed to turn draws into wins and keep the club in the hunt for the title.

Bayliss’s arrival marks a clear statement of intent from Auckland FC: the club is ready to build on its solid league position and push for both the Premiership and the Cup in 2026‑27.