CHERRIES’ summer signing Alex Paulsen has headed out on loan, joining Bill Foley’s new start-up club Auckland FC.

The move has ruffled some feathers in the A-League, with Paulsen’s former club Wellington Phoenix questioning the legitimacy of the deal.

The goalkeeper joined Cherries from Wellington in June for an initial £850,000, potentially rising to £2million.

Auckland-born Paulsen spent a few days training with Cherries last month, before heading off to compete for New Zealand at the Olympics.

The Oly Whites exited in the group stage, winning one and losing two of their matches, with Paulsen playing every minute.

Foley’s growing football portfolio recently saw him launch Auckland FC, the club set to join the A-League for the 2024-25 campaign.

Clubs in the division have previously been unable to loan players from other clubs under the same ownership structure, known at the ‘Caceres Clause’.

This was brought in in 2016, named after Anthony Caceres, who was immediately loaned from Manchester City to sister club Melbourne City, straight after being signed by Central Coast Mariners.

Clubs in the A-League have agreed to review the Caceres Clause, with the idea of potentially removing it ahead of this season.

Paulsen has headed back to New ZealandPaulsen has headed back to New Zealand (Image: Auckland FC)

But Auckland have now announced the 22-year-old will join them from Cherries, adding: “Paulsen’s participation in the A-League is subject to approval of amendments to the A-League Player Contract Regulations by Football Australia.

“This approval forms part of the formal regulations review process with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) that occurs ahead of each season.”

Upon signing, Paulsen said: “Auckland is my home, and I haven’t had many opportunities to play in my city and in front of my friends and family. I’m really excited by the opportunity to return to my hometown and continue to develop as a player.

“There is so much excitement around the club and what we’re building here.

"I’ve only been home for a few days, and I’ve seen people walking around in the new home strip and you can feel the energy around the club and the city.”

Wellington Phoenix themselves have released a statement.

General manager David Dome said: “The Wellington Phoenix are seeking further information about Alex Paulsen’s loan move from AFC Bournemouth to Auckland FC.

“While the club in principle supports adapting the ‘Caceres Clause’ to allow Paulsen to return to the Isuzu UTE A-League for the 2024-25 season, it has a number of questions that have yet to be answered.

“Most importantly we don’t know what ‘player registration and salary cap treatment guardrails’ will be in place that Australian Professional Leagues (APL) say will ‘balance development of the A-League while ensuring competition integrity’.

“We also note all player contract regulations and competition policies have yet to be approved by Football Australia.”