Betis chase attacking edge with Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar

Real Betis, the Spanish side fresh off a fifth‑place finish in La Liga that earned them a Champions League spot, have been hunting a proven goal‑scorer to replace departing attacking options. The Irish forward Troy Parrott, who netted 16 goals in 28 Dutch league games, arrives on a five‑year deal to fill that gap.

Real Betis ended the 2025-26 campaign in fifth place in La Liga, securing a Champions League berth. The club’s ambition to compete on Europe’s biggest stage has created a clear need for a proven scorer to bolster the attack, a role the Irish forward will fill after leaving Dutch club AZ Alkmaar.

Deal sealed for €20m

Both clubs issued statements on Thursday confirming that an agreement had been reached, with Parrott signing a five‑year contract. The deal was reported to be worth €20 million (£17.1 million). West Ham had been heavily linked with the 24‑year‑old forward before the move was finalised.

Parrott's prolific Dutch season

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption notes that Troy Parrott made his senior Republic of Ireland debut against New Zealand in November 2019. He began last season in prolific form, scoring 10 goals in his first seven appearances for the Dutch side before a knee‑ligament injury kept him out from the end of August until October. Parrott finished the Dutch league season with 16 goals in 28 games.

In November last year he scored both goals in a 2‑0 win over Portugal and three days later added a hat‑trick, including a 96th‑minute winner, in a 3‑2 victory away to Hungary. The performances made him the first Republic of Ireland player to net a hat‑trick in an away game and the first Irishman to record a competitive treble since Robbie Keane in 2014. Capped 37 times, the Irish forward is set to be a pivotal figure for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side in the upcoming Nations League Group B3.

Parrott joins Real Betis ahead of their Champions League campaign, where he will need to adapt quickly to Spanish football and compete for a starting spot. His proven goal‑scoring record offers the Irish side a valuable option as they look to make an impact in Europe.