Irish striker Parrott on brink of Real Betis move

WHAT HAPPENED
Real Betis are in advanced negotiations with AZ Alkmaar over a reported €20m (£17.1m) transfer for Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott, with the two clubs understood to be close to an agreement. The move would follow strong interest from other English clubs, with West Ham previously strongly linked to the 24-year-old.

The transfer would see Parrott leave Alkmaar after joining them in July 2024 from Tottenham Hotspur, following a season-long loan at Excelsior Rotterdam.

KEY CONTEXT
- Parrott began his career at Tottenham and moved to AZ Alkmaar in July 2024.
- He started the most recent Dutch league season explosively, netting 10 goals in his first seven matches, but missed time after suffering a knee ligament injury at the end of August and was absent until October.
- He finished the league campaign with 16 goals in 28 appearances for Alkmaar.
- Internationally, Parrott has been influential for the Republic of Ireland: he is capped 37 times and in November scored twice in a 2-0 win over Portugal and a hat-trick — including a 96th-minute winner — in a 3-2 victory away to Hungary. That hat-trick made him the first man to score a competitive away treble for Ireland and the first player to score a competitive hat-trick for Ireland since Robbie Keane in 2014.
- Real Betis secured fifth place in La Liga in the 2025-26 season and thereby qualified for the Champions League.

WHY IT MATTERS
A move to Betis would represent a step up in profile and competition for Parrott, joining a side headed into the Champions League. His proven scoring form in the Netherlands and recent international performances suggest he could be expected to play an important attacking role at club level. For Betis, signing a young forward who has shown goal-scoring consistency domestically and on the international stage would strengthen their options as they prepare for European competition.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether AZ Alkmaar and Real Betis finalise terms and complete the transfer for the reported €20m fee.
- How Parrott adapts to La Liga and what role he is given at Betis, particularly with the club preparing for Champions League football.
- Parrott’s fitness and recovery continuity after the knee ligament issue that interrupted last season.
- His availability and expected role with the Republic of Ireland in the upcoming Nations League group that includes Kosovo, Austria and Israel.

KEY FACTS
- Reported fee: €20m (£17.1m) — talks described as advanced and close to agreement.
- Parrott, 24, joined AZ Alkmaar in July 2024 from Tottenham after a loan at Excelsior Rotterdam.
- Last season for Alkmaar: 16 goals in 28 league games; began season with 10 goals in his first seven matches.
- Suffered a knee ligament injury at end of August and was sidelined until October.
- International: 37 caps; notable November performances — two goals vs Portugal and a hat-trick at Hungary, including a 96th-minute winner.
- Real Betis finished fifth in La Liga 2025-26, qualifying for the Champions League.