Lyle Foster. (Photo by Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images)
Burnley have announced the signing of South African international Lyle Foster from Belgian side KVC Westerlo for an undisclosed fee.
The fee is estimated to be around €7 million, which could rise to €10 million based on add-ons, which would make Foster the most expensive player in South African history.
The 22-year-old forward signed a four-and-a-half contract with Turf Moor, becoming the club’s third signing in the January transfer window.
“I am very happy to be here,” he told the club’s official website.
“I’m blessed and grateful for the opportunity, and I just can’t wait to get started.
“From the moment I heard there was an interest from Burnley, my heart and head were on the club. I’m so happy to be here now. It’s a dream for me.”
Foster had a breakthrough in the Belgian Pro League this season, with eight goals and four assists.
He started his career with Orlando Pirates and rose through the ranks of the academy. He then earned a move to France’s Monaco in Ligue 1 in 2019.
He then joined Belgian side Cercle Brugge on a season-long loan from Monaco, which was cut short in March 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.
He then transferred to Portuguese club Vitória Guimarães SC B SC in August later that year before being loaned to Westerlo for the 2021–22 season, for whom he signed a permanent contract in the summer.
Burnely is next to play in the FA Cup when they travel to Ipswitch Town on Saturday.
Warmly welcome South African international Lyle Foster from Belgian side KVC Westerlo for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old striker has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Turf Moor, becoming the Clarets’ third signing of the January transfer window.
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) January 25, 2023
