Analysis: Tides sell goalkeeper Rylee Foster-Inman to Everton FC in historic deal
The Halifax Tides completed the sale of goalkeeper Rylee Foster-Inman to Everton FC earlier this week, marking a historic first transfer between the Northern Super League (NSL) and England's Women's Super League (WSL).
Although Halifax's fee was undisclosed, sources told HFX Football Post that Foster-Inman's fee was set in her contract, with Everton eager to add the 28-year-old 'keeper after a strong start to her NSL career.
The Kitchener-native made 10 starts for the Tides, making 26 saves.
"Rylee has been an important part of the 2026 season, and we're excited to see her begin this next chapter with Everton," said Ruth Fahy, the Tides' vice president of football.
"This transfer is a reflection of Rylee's quality and of the calibre of players competing in the NSL. As the first transfer from the NSL to the WSL, it reinforces the strength of our league and the opportunities that exist for players within the global game. We're proud to have been part of Rylee's journey and look forward to following her continued success."
Foster-Inman, of course, is no stranger to football across the pond as she signed for Liverpool FC in 2020 following her varsity career with West Virginia University. She also enjoyed a short spell with Everton in 2024.
Now, she's poised for a second chapter in the WSL.
"When the opportunity to return home and play in Canada came up, I couldn't ignore it. Being able to represent the Tides has been so special. Football as a Tides player meant more than just playing a game to me; it meant trailblazing, inspiring, and driving a force for change in our country,” said Foster-Inman in a letter to fans on social media.
“Although my stay has been shorter than expected, I am tremendously honoured to have been part of this season. Halifax will always be considered a home for us. This is what the NSL is, what it can be, and will be."
A deal that makes sense for both sides
Make no mistake: the Tides will miss Foster-Inman, who was as influential off the pitch as she was on it, but her sale is a feather in the cap for both the Tides and the NSL as a whole.
Foster-Inman's talent has never been in doubt and she quickly showed Tides supporters the pedigree that earned her a contract at Liverpool, not to mention a call-up with the Canadian Women's National Team for the Tokyo Olympics.
Given the fee set in her contract, there was the thought that a strong start to life in Halifax might earn her some admirers — especially given the Tides' pre-season in England, which put her back on the radar of WSL clubs — but her excellent form meant her time on the East Coast was shorter than expected.
Now, Foster-Inman is off to England to compete amongst some of the game's best players. It's also a second chance of sorts as her initial time was impacted by a severe car accident in 2021. It's a sale that makes sense for the player and her ambitions.
But the transfer also makes sense for the Tides as they earn a fee for a significant move, showing that they can be a pathway for players looking to go to another level while earning some cash.
Shoring up the 'keeper position
It's easy to forget that the Tides already had an embarrassment of riches between the sticks, with reigning 2025 NSL Goalkeeper of the Year Anika Tóth rotating with Foster-Inman throughout the season.
Having Tóth, who has made six starts for the Tides this year, meant that the club could comfortably sell Foster-Inman without jeopardizing their playoff hopes.
The Tides also had 'keeper Samantha St. Croix signed to a contract.
However, the club also announced this week that they've signed a short-term loan for Vancouver Rise 'keeper Kirstin Tynan, who was part of the NSL's first championship-winning squad.
With the addition of Tynan, the Tides are now set in the 'keeper position heading towards the end of the year.
Editor's Note: This article is part of our free coverage.
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Josh Healey
Josh Healey
Josh Healey
Cover Photo Credit: Halifax Tides FC
