Auckland FC: All Whites midfielder Lachlan Bayliss joins A-League champions

All Whites midfielder Lachlan Bayliss has become Auckland FC’s first signing of the off-season, joining the reigning A-League champions ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The 23-year-old has committed to the Black Knights despite attracting interest from several rival clubs, confirming a move first reported by the Herald this month.

Bayliss joins Auckland off the back of a breakout season with the Newcastle Jets where he played a big role in their unlikely charge to the A-League Premiers Plate, scoring five goals and claiming four assists, earning a spot in the competition’s Team of the Season.

His form saw him make his All Whites debut in March against Finland and ultimately earn a spot in Darren Bazeley’s World Cup squad, although he’s yet to feature in either of New Zealand’s two matches at the tournament so far.

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

Bayliss has played the last three seasons at the Jets, making 71 appearances across all competitions. He was born in Darwin and qualifies for New Zealand through his Kiwi father.

Auckland FC director of football Terry McFlynn said they have been targeting Bayliss for some time.

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

“Winning the Premiership and the Cup with Newcastle shows he knows what it takes to win, we’re delighted to have him in Auckland.”

Bayliss is the first new recruit to join Auckland, although they have re-signed goalkeeper Michael Woud and midfielder Cam Howieson, who scored the lone goal in the grand final win over Sydney FC.

However, the club has already had several high-profile departures including defender Dan Hall, who is expected to sign with a club in Asia, striker Guillermo May, Auckland’s all-time leading scorer, and Jesse Randall whose move to the Scottish Premiership with Dundee United was confirmed during the season.

The futures of Felipe Gallegos and vice-captain Jake Brimmer are also up in the air while young trio Adama Coulibaly, Finn McKenlay and Jimmy Hilton have also moved on, with the latter signing with Macarthur FC.

Captain Hiroki Sakai, Francis de Vries and Callan Elliot had signed contract extensions during the 2025-26 season.

Auckland is also on the search for a new head coach and assistant with Steve Corica and Danny Hay signing with top-flight Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos.

Goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould has also left, returning to England to link up with National League side Forest Green Rovers.

Bayliss will join Auckland after the World Cup, with the team expected to begin training early next month.

Auckland FC are confident a new coaching team will be in place ahead of the team’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on July 26.

The 2026-27 A-League season kicks off on October 16.