After a long summer of speculation, it seems as though Troy Parrott is finally about to make a move from AZ Alkmaar, with Real Betis looking to secure a €20 million deal for the player. The Irish star had been linked with several clubs in Europe and the UK, but a £15 million bid from West Ham was rejected. Real Betis, managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pelligrini, appears to be on the verge of sealing the deal.
Parrott's desire for Champions League football
It seems that Parrott's desire to play in the Champions League was the driving factor in AZ Alkmaar lowering their asking price. According to Seville-based media outlet Diario de Sevilla, Parrott's insistence on moving to Real Betis was a significant factor in the club's decision to reduce their initial asking price. The transfer is expected to be worth around €16 million, with an additional €3-4 million in add-ons. It is also reported that Parrott agreed to a 'fairly low salary' to facilitate the move, as Real Betis operates on a tight budget.
Exciting stint in southern Spain
While Parrott's desire to move to Real Betis was a key factor in AZ Alkmaar's decision to lower their asking price, it also means that the player was not willing to wait for a similar offer from West Ham, which was also in the €20 million range. Real Betis will return to the Champions League for the first time in two decades, having secured a fifth-place finish in the table last season. They will open their 2026/27 campaign with a home game against Real Sociedad on Friday evening. Troy Parrott will not be in the squad for that game, but the club will hope to finalize the deal as soon as possible.
