Lyle Foster joins Houston Dynamo on loan with £5m purchase option

South Africa striker Lyle Foster has joined Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo FC on loan from Burnley FC, with the move including a $7m option to make the transfer permanent.

The 25-year-old has signed an agreement that will keep him with Houston Dynamo FC through June 2027, while the American club retains the option to complete a permanent transfer. Foster was formally unveiled by his new club after deciding to continue his career in the United States.

“Houston Dynamo FC signed South African international forward Lyle Foster on loan from Burnley FC through June 2027, with a Club option for a permanent transfer, both clubs announced today,” the club stated.

The move follows Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League and ends a period in which Foster attracted interest from clubs in Turkey, France and Germany.

Sources confirmed that the United States was Foster’s preferred destination, despite the opportunities available elsewhere. The country hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the forward will now begin the next stage of his career in Major League Soccer, as reported by iDiski Times.

Foster joined Burnley from Westerlo in January 2023 in a transfer worth €11m. He has made 99 appearances for The Clarets, scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists.

Last season, the former Orlando Pirates striker played 26 Premier League matches. He scored three times and created two further goals during Burnley’s campaign.

Houston Dynamo President of Soccer Pat Onstad said Foster would add further strength and mobility to the club’s attacking options.

“Lyle presents another powerful, mobile forward to our attacking group,” said Dynamo President of Soccer Pat Onstad.

“He threatens the space behind the back line, links play well and brings the work rate and intensity that we demand without the ball.

“Lyle’s experience in the Premier League and on the international stage will strengthen our group, and we are excited to welcome him to Houston as we prepare for a strong finish to the season.”

Foster’s arrival gives Houston Dynamo an experienced international forward with Premier League experience. He has also represented South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, and will now look to establish himself in the United States after three seasons with Burnley.

His departure comes after a campaign in which Burnley were relegated, prompting increased speculation over his future. Interest from clubs across Europe had emerged over the previous month, but the loan move to Houston Dynamo FC was ultimately preferred.

The agreement gives Foster the opportunity to remain in Major League Soccer until June 2027, while Houston Dynamo can decide whether to activate the $7m purchase option and retain him on a permanent basis.