Lyle Foster Burnley Premier League Bafana Bafana

Getting to work with manager Vincent Kompany! Image: Citizen

Foster discusses being the most expensive South African footballer ever

Lyle Foster is the most expensive South African footballer of all time, but you wouldn’t know it when reading these humble words.

Lyle Foster Burnley Premier League Bafana Bafana

Getting to work with manager Vincent Kompany! Image: Citizen

Burnley and Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster has opened up on being the most expensive South African footballer of all time. The 22-year-old joined the EFL Championship leaders on on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Belgian side Westerlo in January.

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Burnley broke the bank for Foster

Foster joined the Clarets for an initial €7m [R131m], which is set to rise to €10m [R187m] if his side gain promotion to the Premier League. it’s looking good for Vincent Kompany’s team, who currently sit atop the standings by 13 points. There are just nine regular season matches to play.

Foster’s switch from Westerlo to Burnley made him the most expensive South African player ever, surpassing the €6m that Celta Vigo paid Ajax Amsterdam to secure the marksman all the way back in 1999. Foster is also bagging something in the region of R20 million annually in wages, according to English media.

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Burnley striker Lyle Foster Bafana Bafana FA Cup South african
Lyle Foster has joined Burnley. Image: @burnleyfc / Twitter

Foster opens up on being SA’s priciest ever footballer

The former Orlando Pirates youth player is eager to remain grounded and work hard to become a South African stalwart striker.

“I’m grateful for everything that’s happening,” said Foster, who scored his first Burnley goal on the 11th of March 2023 against Wigan Athletic in the EFL Championship.

“Being South Africa’s most expensive player, I try not to think about it too much, to be honest,” he added

“I just want to play football and enjoy it, and yeah, happy to be in the UK. Hopefully, I can have a long and fruitful career there. And just continue working hard and try my best as possible to go as far as I can.”

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Man City legend Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany keen of Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster? Image: @kappilinho / Twitter

This will be music to the ears of Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game, and more articles just like this one.

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