There is also the scenario that he is not near the 1st team at the Cherries, but they want him playing for his development. They looked at their 'feeder' clubs Lorient, Hibs & Auckland FC. They decided the latter was the best fit. Hopefully it's only a 1 season deal and he's in Europe somewhere in 2025.
Agree as someone posted above they should have said he's training & playing friendlies with AFC, subject to the FA agreeing to amend the Caceres Clause. Bit arrogant to say someone is signed to your club for the ALM season, when the rules currently don't allow it. But of course revealing him as a signing like they have with the bill boards is great PR, and stirs up the rivalry.
Agree as someone posted above they should have said he's training & playing friendlies with AFC, subject to the FA agreeing to amend the Caceres Clause. Bit arrogant to say someone is signed to your club for the ALM season, when the rules currently don't allow it. But of course revealing him as a signing like they have with the bill boards is great PR, and stirs up the rivalry.