Defensive midfielder Marley Leuluai has signed to A-League side Auckland FC on 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 spent the last few months on trial at the Auckland 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,” Leuluai, who captained New Zealand at the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup, said.
“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 for forge his own path and as already impressed many fans thanks to his memorable sliding tackle against Brazilian international, Richarlison.
Auckland FC director of football, Terry McFlynn, was 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,” McFlynn said.
“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 begin their season against Melbourne City on 17 October.