Real Betis are reportedly nearing an agreement with AZ Alkmaar to sign Republic of Ireland forward Troy Parrott in a deal worth around 20 million euros (£17.1m), according to a report from BBC Sport. The transfer talks between the Spanish and Dutch clubs are said to be at an advanced stage, with a full agreement understood to be close.
The move would represent a significant step in the career of the 24-year-old, who has attracted interest from several clubs after an impressive campaign at Alkmaar. West Ham United had also been strongly linked with the striker, but Betis now appear to be favourites to secure his signature.
Parrott began his footballing journey at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Alkmaar in July 2024. Prior to that switch, he spent a season on loan at Excelsior Rotterdam, also in the Netherlands, where he continued to develop as a forward.
His time at Alkmaar has been marked by both flashes of brilliance and a spell of misfortune. Parrott started last season in outstanding form, netting 10 goals in his opening seven appearances for the club. However, his momentum was halted by a knee ligament injury picked up in late August, which sidelined him until October.
Despite the setback, Parrott recovered to finish the Dutch league season with an impressive tally of 16 goals in 28 appearances, underlining his quality as a goal-scoring forward.
Beyond his club exploits, Parrott has also become a key figure for the Republic of Ireland national team. He played a central role in helping his country secure qualification for the World Cup play-offs, delivering standout performances in crucial fixtures.
Among his most memorable displays was a brace in a 2-0 victory over Portugal last November. Just three days later, he further cemented his reputation by scoring a hat-trick — including a dramatic 96th-minute winner — in a thrilling 3-2 away win against Hungary.
That treble made history for Irish football, as Parrott became the first Republic of Ireland player to score a hat-trick in an away fixture for the men's national team. It also marked the first competitive hat-trick by an Irish player since Robbie Keane achieved the feat back in 2014.
With 37 caps to his name, Parrott is expected to remain a vital component of Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad as Ireland prepare for the upcoming Nations League campaign. The team will face Kosovo, Austria and Israel in Group B3, with much anticipation surrounding Parrott's continued development amid interest from a Champions League club.
Real Betis themselves enjoyed a strong 2025-26 La Liga campaign, finishing fifth in the table and securing qualification for the Champions League — a achievement that adds further intrigue to their pursuit of Parrott, who would potentially step into European football's premier competition should the transfer be finalised.
While neither club has officially confirmed the deal, the reported terms and advanced stage of negotiations suggest that Parrott's move to Spain could be completed in the near future, marking a new chapter in the young striker's career as he continues to build on a breakout year both domestically and internationally.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.