Auckland FC signs All Whites midfielder, search ongoing for new coach

Lachlan Bayliss controls the ball during his debut for the All Whites in March.

Auckland FC has confirmed the signing of All Whites midfielder Lachlan Bayliss as it continues the search for a new manager amid an exodus of coaching staff and players.

Bayliss is the first signing Auckland FC has announced since it lifted the A-League Championship trophy in May. It comes after the bombshell news that head coach Steve Corica and his assistant Danny Hay would leave the club, bound for Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.

The 23-year-old, who had a breakout A-League season with the Newcastle Jets, won both the Australia Cup and the Premier's Plate.

Bayliss made 62 appearances for the Jets across three seasons, playing a crucial role in their most recent campaign, netting five goals.

Lachlan Bayliss of the Jets celebrates scoring a goal with Lachlan Rose of the Jets during the A-League Men Round 14 match between the Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Friday, January 23, 2026.

He is currently with the All Whites in Canada, having made the World Cup squad with just two caps for the national side. He also represented New Zealand at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“To be joining Auckland off the back of a World Cup is a dream,” he said.

“There’s no better time to be a New Zealand footballer, and I want to bring that energy to Auckland FC. I’ve seen what this club means to the fans.

"The club has ambition, and the fans are incredible. I’ve experienced that atmosphere as an opponent, and it’s something else.”

Lachlan Bayliss at All Whites football training in Western Springs ahead of the FIFA series.

Bayliss was born in Australia and grew up in Darwin, but qualifies to represent New Zealand through his late father.

Auckland FC director of football Terry McFlynn said the club targeted Bayliss and was pleased to secure him.

“He’s energetic, versatile and has the technical quality to hurt teams going forward.

"We’re delighted to have him in Auckland.”

Bayliss will join his new teammates when he returns from the World Cup.

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Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker says the club will begin it's search for a new manager, and was confident it will find the right person.

Several key players – including centre back Dan Hall, foward Guillermo May, and winger Jesse Randall – departed the club following the most recent season.

With the club losing its salary cap exemptions next season, Auckland FC has been looking to tighten its belt.

The team is currently without a manager following Corica's departure and has a month until a pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on July 26 at Eden Park.

CEO Nick Becker said a new manager could be found before then.

"I am confident that we’ll soon be unveiling a coaching team that can challenge for titles and continue to establish Auckland FC as one of the most competitive teams in the A-League,” he said.

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