Lyle Foster: Bafana striker makes surprise move with R113 million option

South African international striker Lyle Foster is reportedly on the verge of a surprising move to Major League Soccer, with a loan deal agreed in principle with Houston Dynamo.

Following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, it became clear that the 25-year-old would be seeking a new club. Foster attracted significant interest from teams in Turkey, France, and Germany over the past month.

However, sources have confirmed that a move to the United States was the player’s preferred destination. The English Championship club has now reached an agreement with the Dynamo for a season-long loan.

How much could Dynamos pay for Foster?

According to The Athletic, the deal reportedly includes an option for Houston to make the transfer permanent for a fee exceeding £6 million (R113 million).

Foster’s time at Burnley appears to be concluding after he joined the club from Belgian side Westerlo in a 2023 transfer worth £11 million. During his tenure, he made 99 appearances, contributing 12 goals and 12 assists.

A key figure for Bafana Bafana, Foster has earned 28 caps for South Africa, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists. He is expected to be a crucial part of the national team under new head coach Pitso Mosimane.

Bafana striker used sparingly by Burnley

This move is seen as vital for Foster to rediscover the form that initially earned him his transfer to England and to secure his place in the Bafana Bafana squad.

Upon completing the move, he will join a growing contingent of South African players in the MLS, which includes Puso Dithajane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Tylon Smith.

Foster has fallen down the pecking order at Burnley this season and has not made the squad for any of the English Championship’s side’s five games.