Real Betis closing in on deal for Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar

Real Betis and AZ Alkmaar are in the final stages of negotiations over a transfer for striker Troy Parrott, with the 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international on the verge of a move to La Liga.

The deal, if completed, would cap a remarkable value arc for a player AZ signed from Tottenham Hotspur just two years ago for a fee reported between €4M and €8M. AZ’s asking price now sits at approximately €30M, or roughly £25M. That’s a potential return of nearly four to seven times the original investment, depending on which end of the initial fee range you use.

A striker surplus to requirements

Parrott’s situation at AZ has shifted dramatically in recent months. Despite scoring 30 goals since arriving in Alkmaar, the Irish forward has fallen out of favor under coach Leeroy Echteld, losing his starting spot to Mexx Meerdink.

That dip in form, or at least in selection, has made AZ open to cashing in. The club isn’t desperate, though. Earlier offers from West Ham United, Ajax, Fulham, and VfL Wolfsburg were all turned away. Those bids reportedly ranged between €18M and £17.5M, well short of AZ’s valuation.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph and Dutch outlet Soccer News both describe the current talks with Real Betis as being in advanced stages. The Seville-based club appears to have moved ahead of the pack by getting closer to AZ’s price tag.

The transfer economics

The rejected bids tell their own story. West Ham, Ajax, Fulham, and Wolfsburg all saw value in Parrott but weren’t willing to meet AZ’s price. Real Betis apparently is, or at least is close enough to keep talks moving forward.

From Tottenham’s perspective, the deal is a quieter kind of loss. Spurs developed Parrott through their academy, sent him on multiple loans, and ultimately sold him for a modest fee. If AZ completes a sale at or near €30M, Tottenham may be entitled to a sell-on clause, though the specific terms of his 2024 departure have not been publicly confirmed at that level of detail.

What this means for Real Betis

Parrott’s age profile works in Betis’ favor too. At 24, he’s entering what should be his peak years as a striker.

The risk is obvious. A player who lost his starting spot at AZ Alkmaar is not a guaranteed success in a more demanding league.

Still, 30 goals in roughly two seasons is a data set that’s hard to ignore. Real Betis appears to have decided the upside outweighs the recent inconsistency, and they’re putting their money where that conviction is. With the summer transfer window progressing, expect an official announcement in the coming days if final terms are agreed.

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