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Football

07th May 2025

Big price tag slapped on one of Ireland’s most in-form stars

Colman Stanley

He has been superb this season.

Troy Parrott has undoubtedly been Ireland’s best striker this season, scoring 20 times for Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar in 2024/2025, including 14 league goals in 28 games.

This has led to a number of clubs taking interest in the Dubliner ahead of the summer transfer window.

After securing the Championship title, Leeds have expressed interest as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League, while there have been reports that Wolves are also keen.

However, AZ Alkmaar, who only signed the former Spurs man last summer, will not sell the 23-year-old for less than €25 million.

After earning the Player of the Match award in Ireland’s 2-1 win over Bulgaria in March, while playing No 9, Parrott said: “I’ve said before that’s my favourite position and that’s where I feel like I’m the strongest but I think we have a lot of quality in this team, you’ve seen tonight Evan [Ferguson] with his goal, Adam [Idah] came on and scored his goal.

“I would’ve liked to score a goal for myself also but the most important thing is that we won the game.”

“It’s definitely close (to my best form) but as I said, for me it’s all about contributing to the game. Obviously I want to score goals but if I can play like this then it’s more important for me and I know the chances are going to keep coming and the goals will go in as I play more and more but I’m really happy with how tonight’s gone,

“As I said, we have a lot of quality, especially in attacking areas so it can only benefit us having three strikers that are all scoring goals and all playing well. It’s better for us to keep pushing each other.

“Obviously, it’s not what we wanted. I think the goal this time was a bit on us but to turn it around and come back and win is a nice feeling.”

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