Republic of Ireland forward Troy Parrott has sealed a switch to Real Betis after agreeing terms with the Spanish club following his departure from AZ Alkmaar. Both sides confirmed the transfer in official statements on Thursday, with the 24-year-old putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.
Reports earlier in the week had indicated that the two clubs were closing in on an agreement worth around 20 million euros, roughly £17.1 million, for the striker's services. Interest from West Ham United had also been reported in recent months, but it is Betis who have won the race for his signature.
Parrott's route to this point has taken him through several stops since he first emerged as a youth talent at Tottenham Hotspur. After a loan spell at Excelsior Rotterdam, he made a permanent move to AZ Alkmaar in July 2024, where he quickly established himself as one of the Eredivisie's most dangerous attackers.
His time in the Netherlands began with a remarkable scoring burst, netting 10 goals across his opening seven appearances of last season. That momentum was interrupted by a knee ligament injury picked up at the end of August, which sidelined him until October. Despite the setback, he finished the campaign with 16 goals in 28 league matches, underlining his quality in front of goal.
Parrott's form has not been confined to club football. He has been a central figure for the Republic of Ireland national team, where his international exploits last November drew significant attention. He scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Portugal before following it up three days later with a hat-trick in a dramatic 3-2 win away to Hungary, capped by a winner in the 96th minute.
That performance made history for Irish football, as Parrott became the first Republic of Ireland men's player to score a hat-trick in an away fixture. He also became the first Irish player to record a competitive treble for the senior men's side since Robbie Keane achieved the feat in 2014.
With 37 international caps to his name, Parrott is expected to remain a key figure for manager Heimir Hallgrimsson as Ireland prepare for their Nations League campaign. The team is set to face Kosovo, Austria and Israel in Group B3, with Parrott's goalscoring form likely to be crucial to their hopes.
His move to Real Betis arrives at an exciting time for the Spanish club, who finished fifth in La Liga during the 2025-26 season. That result secured qualification for the Champions League, offering Parrott the chance to test himself at the highest level of European club competition as he embarks on a new chapter in Spain.
The transfer represents a significant step up for the young forward, who has steadily built his reputation through consistent performances at both club and international level. Betis will be hoping his proven scoring instincts and experience of high-pressure moments on the international stage can translate into an immediate impact as they prepare for a demanding season that includes European football.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.