Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images
Republic of Ireland hero Troy Parrott has had another outstanding international break, adding to the pain that Everton transfer chiefs are feeling over not signing him.
Striker is arguably the position Everton are most in need of recruitment. Folarin Balogun rejected the move, as did Richarlison, while Manchester United denied Joshua Zirkzee a move to the Hill Dickinson.
In the summer, Everton had interest in Troy Parrott, who had just come off a sublime goal-scoring campaign for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie. Everton failed to move for Parrott, and he instead joined La Liga side Real Betis Balompie for £17m.
Since making the move, Parrott has scored against Real Madrid and in the Champions League against Lille, quickly becoming a fan favourite in green and white. But this will be a painful sight for David Moyes.
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Everton should never have ignored Troy Parrott
Everton will be wincing at not signing Parrott after the start to life he has had in Spain, combined with his brilliance for Ireland in the Nations League. It isn’t like they didn’t have the chance to do the deal either.
Everton were linked long before he went to Betis, with former Blues winger Kevin Kilbane urging Moyes and the recruitment staff to sign Parrott after his 37-goal season, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo in June.
“I doubt he’s going to take my advice these days!”, Kilbane admitted about his former manager Moyes. “But look, as I’ve said to you before, this is not a flash in the pan.
“It wasn’t just two games where he scored five goals and the first-ever Irish hat-trick away from home. If you look at him consistently over the last couple of years at Alkmaar, he’s scored big goals in European competition, and he’s scored consistently in the Dutch league. He’s had to go away, grow up, and find himself in many respects. If Everton or any Premier League club were to sign Troy Parrott, you’re getting quality.
“You’re getting a player who’s matured. He looks stronger physically. Irish fans know he’s not a flash in the pan, the talent is real. If you’re asking me his ceiling, it could be anything he wants. His overall game is improving – technically and tactically. He’s far more rounded now.
“And look, I believe he’s an Evertonian. I’ve heard he’s a Toffee. So, if he is a Toffee, we’ll take him all day long. Another Irishman in the blue jersey – we’d be first in the queue for that.”
Kilbane played 121 times for Everton, and his endorsement of Parrott may have ended up being his greatest contribution to the club, considering the impact a player of his ability would have.
The decision not to move for Parrott at £17m looks ridiculous now, considering he will easily be costing double in 2027 for any club interested in signing him. Parrott is only 24, and his magnificent goal for Ireland against Austria shows that he still has levels of development left to go.
Everton still needs to sign a striker in the next window or two, as Thierno Barry cannot do it all alone, and in this case, Parrott shouldn’t be overlooked again.