Auckland FC are delighted to announce the signing of defensive midfielder Marley Leuluai to a scholarship deal after a successful trial with the club.
The 19-year-old has spent much of his life in England, coming through the Manchester City academy, before signing his first professional deal with Burnley in 2023 and playing for their U21s and Reserve sides.
Leuluai has spent the last few months on trial at the club, impressing and earning minutes off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur in the club’s first preseason match as well as against East Coast Bays.
“I’m buzzing to get started,” says Leuluai, who captained New Zealand at the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup.
“Playing against Spurs was a dream come true, and I’m excited to create more memorable moments with the club.”
If the name Leuluai is familiar, it’s because Marley is the son of Kiwi-Samoan league legend Kylie Leuluai.
But Marley is determined to forge his own path and has already impressed many fans thanks to his memorable sliding tackle against Brazilian international Richarlison.
Auckland FC Director of Football, Terry McFlynn, is proud to announce the scholarship signing.
“Signing and developing top Kiwi talent is what we’re all about as a club, and Marley fits the bill perfectly. He has impressed us during his time here, and we’re pleased to be signing him,” says McFlynn.
“He has been on quite the journey playing in some top academies. He has shown a lot of determination and resilience, just the sort of characteristics we like. He also has a lot of potential that we think fans will really appreciate.
Auckland FC kick off a title-defending season at home to Melbourne City on Saturday, 17 October at 5pm. Already 10,000 tickets have been sold for the game.
