Real Betis close in on €20m Parrott deal after West Ham's valuation talks collapse

Real Betis are on the verge of signing Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar for around €20m (£17m) after West Ham United’s pursuit of the Republic of Ireland striker collapsed when negotiations over the fee stalled, according to reports.

The Hammers had held active discussions with the Dutch club over a deal for the 24-year-old forward, but talks broke down after West Ham — now competing in the EFL Championship following their Premier League relegation — were unable to match AZ’s valuation. The required fee would have ranked among the most expensive transfers in Championship history.

Betis, who secured Champions League football by finishing fifth in La Liga last season, have since moved to the front of the queue. Negotiations are said to be in their final stages, with Parrott expected to complete his move to Seville within days.

The appeal of elite European competition proved a decisive factor, with West Ham unable to offer the same level of football as the Andalusian club.

Parrott’s trajectory makes the fee understandable. After scoring 17 goals across all competitions on loan at Excelsior, he joined AZ Alkmaar permanently and developed into one of the Eredivisie’s most dangerous forwards. His 2025/26 campaign was exceptional: 31 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, including 16 Eredivisie goals.

His club form was reinforced by a defining moment on the international stage last autumn. During Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, Parrott scored a hat-trick against Hungary — capped by a 96th-minute winner to seal a 3-2 victory — that elevated his profile across Europe.

With the Parrott pursuit over, West Ham must now identify alternative attacking options to drive their Championship promotion campaign. The club opened the 2026/27 season with a Carabao Cup win over Portsmouth before drawing 2-2 with Burnley in their opening league fixture.