Tottenham are eyeing a former academy product to bolster their attack but could face competition from Everton.
Tottenham Hotspur are battling hard to preserve their top-flight status. Roberto De Zerbi is the man tasked with guiding the Lilywhites to safety. That is perhaps the biggest challenge in De Zerbi’s career so far, and he will be doing everything possible to answer his critics.
Having signed a five-year deal, it is quite apparent that the Italian tactician is not here just to save Tottenham from the ultimate embarrassment of relegation. He will be responsible for rebuilding the squad he’s inherited from Igor Tudor and making the club competent in the league next season. Fans will now hope that the club’s top officials have learned from their mistakes made during the winter transfer window and focus on quality rather than quantity in the summer.
With Richarlison’s future at White Hart Lane uncertain, and Randal Kolo Muani expected to depart once his loan spell ends, Tottenham must look to bring in a striker to compete and cover for Dominic Solanke next season. Recent reports have linked Spurs with former academy product Troy Parrott.
Everton plot summer swoop for Troy Parrott
Troy Parrott left Tottenham for AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024, having been deemed not good enough to break into the first team and play regularly. The Republic of Ireland international has since built his career in the Eredivisie, scoring 50 goals and supplying 16 assists in 92 games for AZ Alkmaar, as well as helping them win the KNVB cup in Rotterdam on Sunday. He has gone on to become one of the more productive No.9s in Europe, capable of finishing off moves with either foot and head.
Parrott’s goalscoring exploits for AZ Alkmaar has put several clubs across Europe on red alert. Premier League clubs have also started taking notice of the centre-forward’s rip-roaring form in the Eredivisie.
Now, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton are plotting a sensational summer move for Parrott. They want to add a new striker in the summer following Thierno Barry’s poor returns, and the AZ Alkmaar star has emerged on the Toffees’ radar. The Irishman is rated at around £25m.
Back in 2024, Tottenham demanded a 20% sell-on clause during negotiations with AZ ahead of any potential future transfer for Parrott. The Eredivisie club obliged, and that specific boardroom demand looks like an absolute masterstroke today. The North Londoners would benefit financially if Everton splashes big on the 24-year-old’s services.
However, interestingly, Parrott would be open to a return to Tottenham at the end of the season, even if they go down. This shows the centre-forward’s immense love for his boyhood club and a sense of unfinished business at White Hart Lane. Once hailed as the next Harry Kane, it will be intriguing to see what the Hotspur Way chiefs do. Whether they make a move to bring Parrott back to the club or settle for some millions by allowing Everton the opportunity to poach him from AZ.