Why re-signing Troy Parrott would be a good move for Spurs

Spurs are facing the unthinkable with the prospect of dropping down into England’s second tier becoming more of a reality as the games tick by.

But irrespective of whether Tottenham remain a Premier League side or suffer the ignominy of relegation to the Championship, a squad overhaul is inevitably on the cards. 

One rumoured incoming, regardless of the division the club finds itself in, is former Spurs frontman, Troy Parrott. The Irishman’s career has gone from strength to strength since opting to depart North London and head for the Netherlands in the summer of 2024. But would his potential return be a good thing for Tottenham?

Parrott is enjoying the best season of his career to date, which recently culminated in helping his side, AZ Alkmaar, win the Dutch Cup. The Dubliner bagged a goal and notched an assist in a one-sided final as Alkmaar swept aside NEC Nijmegen 5-1. 

That contribution saw Parrott hit the 30-goal mark for his club – a career high – which may even be bettered before the Dutch domestic season ends on May 17. 

However, the 24-year-old hasn’t just impressed for his club side. Parrott’s goalscoring exploits have been on show for everyone to witness back in Ireland, too, as the Republic came within one game of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, eventually losing their play-off to the Czech Republic in a penalty shootout.

Parrott’s efforts in almost getting his country to its first World Cup since 2002 cannot be underestimated. A brace in the 2-0 shock victory against Portugal at the Aviva, as well as that memorable hat-trick away in Hungary to seal a comeback win and a place in the play-offs, was beyond the expectations of everyone back home, not least all the companies on this list of bookmakers in Ireland, who would’ve had very long odds on the Boys in Green overturning a 2-goal deficit. 

It’s perhaps no surprise then that his prolific form and achievements, particularly this season, have caught the attention of several top sides across Europe, with Spurs believed to be among his suitors. 

A rumoured sell-on clause agreed when he left, effectively allowing the club to buy him back at a lower price, may also prove to be a factor in his former employers making a move.

It goes without saying that Tottenham’s perilous position will halt any major recruitment plans for now. 

Nevertheless, whichever division they occupy next season, a move for the Irish centre forward would undoubtedly be a shrewd one. Parrott may have struggled to make an impression in various EFL loan spells earlier in his career, while he also failed to seize the chance in a Spurs shirt in the limited opportunities given to him.

But now at 24, Parrot has matured and demonstrated what he’s capable of when given the chance and responsibility of being the main man. And for De Zerbi’s high-press, high-energy approach, there are arguably few better candidates.

Spurs’ most recent additions to their forward line have proved underwhelming to say the least. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that both Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel are moved on in the summer, while it’s highly unlikely Kolo Muani’s loan deal will be made permanent. 

Finding players who suit the manager’s style of play will be a priority for the Tottenham hierarchy moving forward. A five-year contract (with no sign of a relegation release clause) suggests De Zerbi is being entrusted to lead the club into a new era, regardless of the division they find themselves in.

Most importantly, perhaps, signing a former academy player who, by all accounts, still holds a strong affinity for the club and is keen on a return, would be welcomed by supporters, many of whom believe the current crop simply lack the heart and desire to play for the shirt.

If Spurs are to right the wrongs of previous haphazard recruitment decisions and kickstart a new era, bringing back Troy Parrott would represent a significant step in the right direction.