Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott has completed his transfer from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar to Spanish side Real Betis, with both clubs confirming the deal on Thursday. The 24-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Seville club.

The transfer, reported earlier this week to be in advanced stages, is understood to be worth 20 million euros (£17.1m). West Ham had also been strongly linked with Parrott before Real Betis secured his signature.

A career built on loan moves

Parrott began his professional journey at Tottenham Hotspur before spending a loan spell at Excelsior Rotterdam in the Dutch top flight. He then joined AZ Alkmaar permanently in July 2024.

His first season in Alkmaar began in blistering fashion — ten goals in his opening seven appearances — before a knee ligament injury in late August sidelined him until October. He recovered to finish the Dutch league campaign with 16 goals in 28 appearances.

International heroics sealed the move

Parrott's form for the Republic of Ireland proved equally eye-catching. In November, he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Portugal, then returned three days later to net a hat-trick — including a 96' winner — as Ireland came from behind to beat Hungary 3-2 away from home.

That hat-trick made him the first Republic of Ireland player to score a treble in an away fixture for the men's team, and the first Irish man to achieve the feat in competitive football since Robbie Keane in 2014.

Now capped 37 times, Parrott is expected to remain central to manager Heimir Hallgrimsson's plans for the upcoming Nations League campaign, where Ireland face Kosovo, Austria, and Israel in Group B3.

Champions League football awaits

Real Betis finished fifth in La Liga during the 2025-26 season, a result that earned them a place in the UEFA Champions League. Parrott will now have the chance to test himself at the highest level of European club football.