Everton snub striker Troy Parrott, risking a costly mistake

Everton have taken nine points from five Premier League games but have found the net only six times, and manager David Moyes’ decision to pass on 24‑year‑old Irish striker Troy Parrott now looks a potentially costly mistake for the club.

Everton’s attacking output so far

Everton have collected nine points from five Premier League matches, winning twice and drawing three. Yet the Toffees have managed just six league goals, with Thierno Barry providing two of them. The lack of a recognised senior number nine leaves little room for rotation.

Troy Parrott moved to Real Betis from AZ Alkmaar for about €20 million in August, signing a contract that runs to 2031. He soon made an impact, netting the winner against Real Madrid and adding a Champions League strike against Lille. The Irish forward has become one of Europe’s most talked‑about young strikers.

What Moyes missed

Former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane urged David Moyes to sign Parrott, praising his strength, maturity and completeness after his spell in Dutch football. Everton had monitored the Dublin‑born striker during the winter window and again last summer, but instead pursued Folarin Balogun and Joshua Zirkzee, both of which fell through. Parrott’s recent international form is impressive – nine goals in his last six competitive outings for Ireland, including a brace against Austria on 1 October.

Moyes’ side press aggressively and defend from the front, meaning a more robust centre‑forward could have offered an extra route into games. Parrott can run behind defenders, link play, attack crosses and finish chances, adding variety to a team that currently relies on narrow margins. With Barry as the sole senior number nine, Everton face an awkward attacking question.

Betis paid roughly €20 million for Parrott, a modest sum by Premier League standards, and his market value could rise further. Everton may now wonder whether a £17.1 million opportunity slipped away as they remain unbeaten but have only six goals from five fixtures. Declaring the decision a fatal mistake would be premature, but the lack of firepower leaves little margin for a barren spell.