Bafana Bafana star secures mega R17m Belgium move

Foster, who came through the South Africa youth ranks before becoming part of the senior Bafana setup from 2019, is set to extend his stay with Westerlo after it was confirmed that his loan deal will become a permanent one.

On 13 August 2020, Foster became the newest member of Vitória de Guimarães, while last year he joined Westerlo on a season long loan until 30 June 2022.

The 21-year-old featured for Pirates between 2017 and 2019, and was once list among English newspaper The Guardian‘s top 60 most promising young players in the world.

His permanent transfer to newly-crowned Belgian second division champions Westerlo is reported to be around R17 million, while also being entitled to a percentage of any future sell-on fee.

“Vitória Sport Clube Futebol, SAD informs that it has reached an agreement with KVC Westerlo, from Belgium, for the transfer of the player Lyle Foster, for the amount of €1 000 000 with Vitória keeping 15% of the surplus-value of a future sale,” read the statement from the Portuguese outfit.

Foster scored five goals and provided four assists in 26 appearances across all competitions for Westerlo this season.

Foster recently said he felt it would be of great benefit to Bafana Bafana if there were more players challenging themselves in competitions overseas.

“I definitely hope the appetite is there for them to play in Europe because the gap is so huge between our league and the leagues in Europe,” Foster said.

“The competitiveness and the way they are being run in terms of professionalism is different. I hope we can export more players, and I believe that will strengthen the national team when we compete at higher level tournaments and qualifiers.

“We will have the experience of facing people from different countries and different internationals rather than always playing in the PSL against one another for five years.

“Playing in Europe does make your skin tougher and you are more ready for the challenges you are going to face.”