Lyle Foster is a South African player who is still something of an unknown quantity. The South African forward has proven to be talented but has yet to reach the peak of his career.
Not many South African players have international acclaim. A few of them who have left their names in the international football sands of time include Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar.
Lyle Foster wants to land his name in the same category as the South African legends before him. While this young talented footballer continues his ride to the top, here are a few things you probably didn’t know about Lyle Foster.
Lyle Foster was born in the same region as some legends
Standing at about six feet, Lyle Foster was born in a region notorious for churning out talent for South Africa. He was born and bred in Noordgesig at the edge of Soweto.
The region has produced plenty of football talents like Kaizer Motaung Sr, Doctor Khumalo, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Teko Modise, Lucas Radebe and Siphiwe Tshabalala. The mentioned stars grew up in this region and attained football stardom.
Bafana Bafana star made Premier League debut in 2023
The South African international, who turns 23 next month, played in the Premier League for the first time on August 11, 2023. Foster featured for Burnley in the 2023/24 season opener against defending champions Manchester City.
The match ended in a 3-0 defeat for the South African. Welcome to the Premier League, Lyle Foster.
Foster suffered from severe depression
Foster admitted to considering ending his life after suffering from severe depression. During that time, he also considered returning to the South African Premier Soccer League despite being a key player for KVC Westerlo.
When Championship side Burnley made a move for him, the South African immediately jumped on the offer. The move to Burnley saved him from his suicidal tendency.
The most expensive South African transfer
Burnley forked out €7 million for the services of Foster. The South African striker moved from Westerlo in Belgium to the English side. The fee made him Burnley’s 14 most expensive signing and South Africa’s most expensive signing.
He beat the record previously held by McCarthy. Benni had cost Celta Vigo €6 million when he joined from Ajax.
Most promising talent recognition
Foster showed plenty of promise early in his football career. In 2018, the talented youngster received recognition from an English magazine as among the top 60 most promising young players globally.
Foster net worth
It is unclear how much Lyle Foster is currently worth. While some statistics put it at €1 million, others suggest it to be in the region of €1 million. However, the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker, who suffered Coronavirus in 2020, earns a decent wage at Burnley.
Foster is on a weekly wage of £20,000.
Foster Transfer history
- January 2023 Burnley €7m
- July 2022 KVC Westerlo €1m
- June 2022 Guimarães B (End of loan)
- July 2021 KVC Westerlo (loan transfer)
- February 2021 Guimarães B
- August 2020 Vit. Guimarães (€1.20m)
- June 2020 Monaco (End of loan)
- August 2019 Cercle Brugge (loan transfer)
- January 2019 Monaco (€1.20m)
- September 2017 Orlando Pirates
Lyle Foster Premier League record
Lyle Foster has been showing signs of what is to come after his move to Burnley, and he wasted no time in opening his account for the Clarets in just his second start of the Premier League.
Foster scored Burnley's first goal of the league campaign in their 1-3 loss to Aston Villa on 26 August 2023, the goal wasn't just historic for his club after their promotion back to the league; it also created another eye-catching feat for the talented forward.
He became the first South African player to score in the Premier League since Steven Pienaar in October 2013 for Everton against Hull City.
In addition to that, Foster became the ninth South African to find the back of the net in the league, after late Phil Masinga, Shaun Bartlett, Eric Tinkler, Quinton Fortune, Mark Fish, Benni McCarthy, Pienaar and Mbulelo Mabizela.
The South African who's won the hearts of many at Burnley did not stop there, he also scored the second Premier League goal for Vincent Kompany's side in their 2-5 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on 2 September 2023.
Lyle Foster is just starting, and he's looking to help Burnley turn their season around. The world will see more of his capabilities as the season continues.
Lyle Foster commits to Burnley with a new five-year deal
In October 2023, Burnley Football Club has announced that striker Lyle Foster has inked a new five-year contract at Turf Moor, securing his future with the club until the summer of 2028.
The South African forward has seamlessly transitioned into the Premier League, impressing fans and pundits alike with his performance.
Foster has already netted three goals and provided two assists in just seven games, demonstrating his impact on the pitch.
Speaking about the extension, Foster expressed his happiness, saying,
“I’m very happy to stay here. It’s a Club with very good people, and I have really enjoyed working here and I’m pleased to extend my stay.”
“The supporters, Turf Moor, everything here. The way we organize ourselves and our standards are something I fell in love with.”
“It’s a club that pushes towards excellence, and that’s something I want to be a part of.”
Foster's commitment is a significant boost for Burnley as they look ahead to the future.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 days ago
