Lyle Foster: New Burnley deal hands Bafana Bafana major AFCON boost

Burnley and Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster has signed a new five-year contract, the club announced on Thursday afternoon.

The striker joined Burnley in January from Belgian side Westerlo and made his debut for the club against Ipswich Town in the FA Cup. A first goal in Claret & Blue then came in a 3-0 win against Wigan Athletic.

His transfer fee was reportedly worth 7 million Euros and rose to about 11 million after Burnley earned promotion to the Premier League.

Following a fine start to life in English football, the Bafana Bafana star has now extended his stay with the club and this could mean a lot of good for South Africa and Vincent Kompany’s side.

He's here to stay! 😍

Lyle Foster has signed a new five-year contract with the Clarets, keeping him at Turf Moor until 2028! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/oe0jjGM5tK

— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) October 26, 2023

‘I’m very happy to stay here' – Lyle Foster after signing new deal

Burnley striker Lyle Foster has expressed his excitement after signing a new five-year deal at Turf Moor.

After penning a new long-term deal that will keep the forward at the club until the summer of 2028, Foster said: “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.

"We are really happy with him, he's performing well!" 😅

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany delighted with forward Lyle Foster who signed a contract extension at the club 🤝 pic.twitter.com/DpeRCESOor

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 26, 2023

“The supporters, Turf Moor, everything here. The way we organize ourselves and our standards is 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,” Lyle Foster concluded.

Why Burnley decided to tie Lyle Foster to a new deal

Despite Burnley’s relatively disappointing results so far this campaign, Foster has been the shining light for his side and it is not surprising that they have taken that step before the January transfer window.

The South African striker has adjusted to life in the Premier League impressively, scoring three goals and grabbing two assists in seven games.

The 23-year-old scored his first goal of the 2023/24 season against Aston Villa and following that Foster contributed with either a goal or an assist in four consecutive games.

With this new deal, clubs will think twice before approaching the Premier League strugglers for Lyle Foster’s signature. 

Good news for Bafana Bafana ahead of AFCON

As for Bafana Bafana – head coach Hugo Broos will be pleased to know that one of his foreign pros has his future sorted already ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire early next year.

Lyle Foster, who scored three goals during the AFCON qualifiers, is expected to lead the line for the Rainbow Nation at the continental showpiece where they have been placed in group E alongside Mali, Namibia, and Tunisia.

The 23-year-old is fast becoming a prominent figure in the Bafana Bafana set-up having scored three goals in 2023 alone – reflecting his growing influence in the team. 

🇿🇦 Lyle Foster has extended his stay at Burnley, signing a new five-year deal ✍️ pic.twitter.com/YCGbxB93go

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 26, 2023

With this new deal, the striker can now solely focus on the AFCON, which starts in January as Bafana Bafana aim for another continental success since 1996.

Lyle Foster stats in 2023 for Bafana Bafana and Burnley

Lyle Foster also promised the Burnley fans that he will do all he can to help them stay afloat in the English top flight.

“I’m trying to stay focused and continue working hard. It’s a long season with lots of tough games but as time goes on I think we will grow stronger,” he said during the announcement of his contract.

“We will have a good season. I have plenty of belief and confidence within the squad, the coaches and everyone around the building.

“There is no need to stress. Just enjoy what we’re doing and there’s a recipe for success.”

He is also one of the players that Bafana Bafana fans are placing their hopes on for a good continental outing. Here is a breakdown of his stats for club and country in 2023.