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-sm.jpg>) Everton have been encouraged to make a move for AZ Alkmaar forward Troy Parrott. The Republic of Ireland international has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League, following a prolific period in the Eredivisie. The 24-year-old has scored 51 goals in 94 games for AZ, and impressed during Ireland's 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Parrott scored five times against Portugal and Hungary in November, to seal Ireland's place in the play-offs. Everton have been named as suitors for the forward, with journalist Sebastien Vidal this morning claiming that Parrott is a name the Blues are considering, alongside Chelsea's Liam Delap. Former Republic of Ireland international Shay Given has said Parrott is ready for a big move and believes Everton could be an ideal fit. “Troy Parrott has been brilliant for AZ Alkmaar hasn’t he? I think he is well-suited to joining a top team back in England or in Europe because as he’s said himself, he's more suited to playing in a team that’s a bit more technical," Given told BOYLE Sports, via the Echo. “At Tottenham Hotspur he was loaned out to different Championship clubs and the directness of that level with the long balls and physical battles didn’t suit him. That’s why he bobbed about a bit struggling to find a home. “He’s found that now in the Dutch league because it is very technical and he’s very good at dropping back into pockets of space, getting the ball wide and getting into the box. The way David Moyes is developing this Everton team, Everton wouldn’t be the worst shout for him, actually. “He just doesn’t suit a team that is going to play direct football, and it feels like in the Premier League there are fewer and fewer teams who aren’t moving in that direction, if I’m being honest with you. “Troy is a player someone needs to take a punt on because he’s proved himself for club and country now with how important he has been, especially for the boys in green. He scored five goals in two games in that spree he had to get us close to the World Cup? “It was just a phenomenal time for him and I’m sure clubs will be looking at what he can bring because he has big things ahead of him in his future. “Some big clubs might be trying to sign him because his style of play does lend itself to playing at a higher level, but I don’t know what the fee will be. I do just hope he moves on to be honest, and hopefully there are no AZ fans reading this. “I think he’s done his bit there, he’s played well, and now it feels like it’s time to go and take that next step again and I hope that that leads him back to the Premier League both for himself and for Irish fans as well.” Read more - Potential Iliman Ndiaye replacements as Everton exit talk continues Reader Comments (50) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () 1 Posted 05/08/2026 at 10:05:05 I'd rather have John Parrott. 2 Posted 05/08/2026 at 10:31:35 3 Posted 05/08/2026 at 10:36:21 Reminds me a bit of the almost annual David Nugent links between 2005 and 2008. Parrott is obviously intriguing -- and we can't go with what we currently have up front... no way. 4 Posted 05/08/2026 at 10:57:48 If we can increase chances created, even Barry might give a better return. Parrott worth a punt? Yes... if the price is right. 5 Posted 05/08/2026 at 10:59:47 That goal return is far from spectacular, which is what it would need to be to justify any transfer fee for a player from a second-tier European league. 6 Posted 05/08/2026 at 11:31:34 Okay, we've had Niasse... but he wasn't even a footballer. Get the man signed before he starts pining for the Fjordds. 7 Posted 05/08/2026 at 11:43:59 Those £25M+ offers? Those even tenuous links to clubs we have every right to look up to? Nah, I haven't either... And I'm deeply concerned that Moyes's only solution to our obvious goal scoring issues is trying yet another season to get blood out of a stone. If we were going for Parrott, it would have been reported on by now. 8 Posted 05/08/2026 at 12:08:33 The reason we never got Nugent, an Evertonian from birth, was because Moyes either didn't fancy him or wouldn't take a chance on him for a very modest fee. Nugent couldn't wait to get here and his dad was delighted he was coming here, three bleedin' times. 9 Posted 05/08/2026 at 12:17:54 Let's just hope that anyone that does arrive doesn't have the name Delap. There is no way he is any better than the two poor strikers Everton already have. 10 Posted 05/08/2026 at 12:22:46 But let's be honest, who else out there would want to join us? 11 Posted 05/08/2026 at 12:38:47 Could be his usual downplaying it, so he thinks we'll be happy with any fella with 2 feet and 2 eyes. 12 Posted 05/08/2026 at 12:47:33 A career record of a goal every 4 games, many of which were in lower leagues. (Our 'useless' centre forwards scored 17 goals between them over last season which is better than 1 in 3.) The reason we never signed him was because our recruitment team did their job right. I am a lifelong Everton fan, but would not expect to play for anything higher than the over 60s, partially sighted, slightly crippled XI. 13 Posted 05/08/2026 at 12:48:42 Moyes was not acting out of character by dithering over Nugent. He famously nearly blew the John Stones deal by dithering until his hand was forced. He did exactly the same with Baines... and now we hear he had nothing to do with spotting Seamus Coleman and, by his own admission, was forced to sign him by scouts. Even then (again by his own admission) he wanted a chunk sliced off the £60k we paid for him. Moyes and TFG.... a match made in heaven. 14 Posted 05/08/2026 at 13:28:38 I agree with the Delap thing. How do you know which players are Everton targetting? And what facts have you unearthed that TFG are dragging their feet on them? 15 Posted 05/08/2026 at 14:05:17 I had thought with Beto in the last year of his contract and his age meaning that we would not have any re-sale - so risky giving another 3-year contract, I expected him to be sold and replaced. Following on from your 'blood from a stone' comment, I went in search of some facts. Premier League:- Beto got 9 goals and Barry 8 goals. Thats 17 in all, placing Beto 26th and Barry 29th in the Premier League. Their respective salaries: Beto £3.10M; Barry £920k. Compare to Mohammed Salah placed 36th with 7 goals and a salary of £21.1M and Cody Gapko 37th with 7 goals and salary of £7.4M. Loads of others getting bigger salaries, eg, Jesus: 3 goals and £15M salary shocker. I may need more analysis but Barry and Beto largely played in rotation in the single centre-forward role, so 17 goals is not a bad return. With Dewsbury-Hall weighing in with 8 more, the central forwards totalled 25. The issue we have got is the lack of goals from the wide players and the full-backs and centre-backs not chipping in many. Plus the likes of Gana and Iroegbunam not being able to hit a barn door -- that's been our problem. So when we hear extreme views on our two rotated single centre-forwards, there needs to be a bit more recognition of the real data and avoid just piling on for the sake of it. My take is Barry is still young and in development at 23 has a long way to go to his peak. Beto, on the other hand, should be at the peak of his powers. Also, if one was left to do the job, they would have 12-15 goals in a season. Interestingly, Richarlison is in 11th position with 11 goals at £5.6M. 16 Posted 05/08/2026 at 14:11:42 You make valid points but TW loves a good pile-on, and stats are seen as witchcraft in some quarters. 17 Posted 05/08/2026 at 14:42:25 If Delap is valued at £40M after scoring very little this season (he got more yellow cards), I'd leave him where he is. 18 Posted 05/08/2026 at 15:27:20 The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland striker is highly sought-after this August transfer window after a prolific stint at AZ Alkmaar, where he has made it clear he wants to leave. The Transfer Situation Everton's Position: Everton have actively monitored and scouted Parrott as a cheaper, high-yield alternative to Chelsea's £40 million-rated Liam Delap. David Moyes's team is desperate for a proven goalscorer to play alongside Iliman Ndiaye. The Valuation: AZ Alkmaar values Parrott at around £25M to £30M. The Major Obstacle: Everton faces stiff competition, and Championship side West Ham are currently in the driving seat. Reports indicate that the Hammers are close to securing a record-breaking £30M deal to make him their primary target for a Premier League promotion charge. Boyhood Club: Reports suggest Parrott supported Everton during his youth, which adds emotional leverage. 19 Posted 05/08/2026 at 15:30:05 Ajax - 2/1 Any Spanish club - 2/1 Fulham - 4/1 Any Italian club - 4/1 West Ham - 5/1 Any German club - 6/1 PSV - 8/1 Any Scottish club - 12/1 Everton - 14/1 Coventry - 16/1 Hull - 16/1 Ipswich - 16/1 20 Posted 05/08/2026 at 15:55:28 I feel that he is a Jamie Vardy type striker -- a fox in the box, quick thinking, good feet forward. I would definitely take him over Delap. If we sold Beto and signed Parrott and Richarlison, I would be quite content. 21 Posted 05/08/2026 at 16:14:50 What do you call a parrot that flew away? A polygon. 22 Posted 05/08/2026 at 16:33:23 Imagine if they got just a little bit more confident and able to actually control the ball. Other stats below: Wellbeck 174 Watkins 178 Joao Pedro 178 Richarlison 178 Mateta 185 Semenyo 188 Calvert-Lewin 195 Woltemarde, Mbuemo, Jiminez, Cunha All 239+ Salah 300+ Minutes per goal; Premier League 2025-26 23 Posted 05/08/2026 at 17:00:43 Calvert-Lewin doing well down in 7th place... 24 Posted 05/08/2026 at 17:01:25 I don't think Beto will ever be skillful with the ball at his feet. He just never developed that ability with his hardscrabble amateur background. He's a one-touch finisher -- and as the minutes-to-goals numbers show, he's actually pretty decent at it. Better chance creation for him, including the kind of through balls that Hackney likes to play, could increase his scoring rate. On the other hand, the ungainly Barry actually does flash a bit of skill from time to time. His backheel setup for Rohl's goal last week was really nice, and that left-foot chip goal last season over Emi Martinez was elegant, and something many strikers can't do with their off foot. With him, the problem may indeed be lack of confidence. It looks like they'll be our strikers again this season. They'll never be great, but I think there's hope that both could improve. 25 Posted 05/08/2026 at 17:10:07 From what I have seen in pre-season so far, Barry is improving. Beto remains what he is, a tryer and a fully committed, but limited striker. I would be happy to see an upgrade on Beto, given his contract situation. This would improve our options. I don't mind if it is Parrott, Delap (who I think is better than his Chelsea experience suggests), or any other that I don't yet know of. But -- and I will be shot down over this -- I believe that Barry will be a £50M striker within 3 years. He is good in the air. Holds the ball up. And most of all, his finishes have been confidently taken. He has been unlucky in pre-season not to have two or three goals. Good goalkeeping and over-zealous linesman denying him. But he has been getting on the end of chances more so than in the early part of last season. Impprovements in the service from the new signings and the improving Rohl and George will create more goals. I just hope we can still defend. 26 Posted 05/08/2026 at 17:53:00 What do you think we'll get for him? £150M? £200M? Straight swap for Haaland? 27 Posted 05/08/2026 at 17:53:05 Both seem limited to me... If we're skint(?), just buy the cheapest! 28 Posted 05/08/2026 at 17:54:40 I read somewhere that Moyes said we aren't getting a striker, even though we are desperate for one -- just like we are desperate for a right-back; we also need a better left-back. 29 Posted 05/08/2026 at 18:13:51 Both will get better offers. 30 Posted 05/08/2026 at 18:18:53 Unless he gets injured in his "trial" of course. 😁 33 Posted 05/08/2026 at 18:41:14 To the ducking stool stattos, you are charged with being the very cause of the demise of this once great club with your incessant happy clapping of two players unable to control the football. 34 Posted 05/08/2026 at 18:45:09 We have a striker: Beto + Barry = 17 goals a season. 38 Posted 05/08/2026 at 19:03:15 If we're ever going to escape this mediocrity, we're going to have to do better... 39 Posted 05/08/2026 at 19:03:41 Moyes never said we aren't getting a striker. 45 Posted 05/08/2026 at 21:06:14 46 Posted 05/08/2026 at 21:27:17 I was listening to Tim Sherwood on Sky, who couldn't believe Spurs let him go, even though they had Kane upfront; he said he was so talented. 47 Posted 05/08/2026 at 22:16:07 I'm living in Ireland and did see those goals which I'll grant you were well taken, but it's not a regular goal contribution. At MK Dons, it was 1 in 5 but many of those appearances were likely off the bench. I would genuinely like to see him playing here and being successful but we haven't had a top class striker since Lukaku left and it's difficult to see how we get out of this rut without some ambition in the transfer market. 48 Posted 05/08/2026 at 22:28:49 It would be nice to see him get a big move, even if not with us, but he was an Everton fan growing up! 49 Posted 05/08/2026 at 23:31:14 50 Posted 05/08/2026 at 23:42:11 'Likes a technical Football team'...“He just doesn't suit a team that is going to play direct football" How is he with a team that doesn't seem to play any football? Joking(?) aside, he could be worth a shout though, but we'll likely leave it until 5 to 12 while the Committeeee come to a decision on whose turn it is to delve down the back of Bill's old couch for the money. I'll wait until I see him at Finch Farm holding the scarf or shirt. 51 Posted 05/08/2026 at 00:24:02 Meanwhile his manager at AZ Alkmaar says he'll be in the 11 for their opener on Saturday. 52 Posted 05/08/2026 at 01:12:11 However, I would still like to let him go, as he doesn't fully identify with Everton. 53 Posted 06/08/2026 at 01:55:59 I think there is a player there, if he is the main man. 54 Posted 06/08/2026 at 02:19:10 55 Posted 06/08/2026 at 04:57:38 Players who have the strength for the Premier League, and the technical ability to lead the line. Niasse, Kean, Calvert-Lewin, Chermiti, Beto and Barry -- physically strong but limited as footballers. 56 Posted 06/08/2026 at 07:42:23 I'm not bothered about Grealish coming back, I'd rather see George make the left side his own. He moves the ball so much quicker than Jack. Ritcharlison is far too injury-prone, but again is better than both our current incumbents when fit. Delap is a No at £40M, nowhere near the finished article... on loan, maybe. Parrott for £18-20M... maybe... but, looking at his record, it is patchy other than AZ Alkmaar. Overall, Nic Jackson would be my choice. 57 Posted 06/08/2026 at 08:13:50 I think, going forward, take Richarlison back and raffle them two... £1 a strip -- and take Parrott. Richarlison would be great for Graham and Parrott. 58 Posted 06/08/2026 at 19:22:22 Sell Barry, but keep hold of Beto... for this season at least! 59 Posted 06/08/2026 at 20:53:25 60 Posted 07/08/2026 at 11:34:43 If you look at their odds for relegation, Everton are 10/1, Spurs 40/1, Liverpool 750/1 etc. Nothing unusual there, kind of what I'd expect before a ball's been kicked. But then I noticed Man City are also 10/1 to be relegated, which makes me wonder two things. 1) Has a decision (or decisions) been made re their 115 charges, but we haven't been told yet? 2) If so, have the bookies been given a hint? A whisper of automatic demotion would give odds of 1/500 or so. But a points deduction of (for example) 15-20 points before a ball has been kicked, would I'm guessing, give relegation odds of about 10/1. [Rubs chin, makes hat from baco-foil...] Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW