Leeds United are reportedly showing serious interest in Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott, with Dutch publication VoetbalNieuws claiming the Premier League club has re-entered discussions with AZ Alkmaar over a mid-season move. The 23-year-old forward has become one of the hottest properties in European football after a stunning international break in November 2025, where his five goals in two appearances propelled Ireland into the World Cup play-offs. Could Parrott be the answer to Leeds' attacking woes?

International Exploits

Parrott made headlines across the globe last November. He scored a brace in Ireland's 2-0 victory over Portugal on Thursday, before netting a stunning hat-trick in Sunday's 3-2 comeback win against Hungary. That remarkable haul kept Ireland in contention for a World Cup spot for the first time since 2002. The Dublin-born striker's clinical finishing and big-game mentality have not gone unnoticed.

Club Form and Contract

Parrott joined AZ from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2024 and is under contract until June 2029. In his first season in the Netherlands (2024/25), he impressed with 20 goals and five assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. He helped AZ reach the last 16 of the Europa League, where they narrowly lost 3-2 on aggregate to eventual winners Tottenham—Parrott's former club. By late 2025, he had already scored 18 goals for club and country in the 2025/26 campaign. His development has been remarkable, especially considering his limited opportunities at Spurs.

The 23-year-old joined Tottenham's youth ranks in 2017 but made only four senior appearances in seven years, including two in the Premier League. He spent time on loan at Millwall, Ipswich, MK Dons, Preston, and Eredivisie side Excelsior before departing Tottenham permanently in July 2024.

Leeds' Striker Struggles

Leeds United welcomed strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the summer of 2025, but the duo had scored just three goals between them in the Premier League as of late 2025. That lack of firepower has reportedly prompted the club to revisit their long-standing interest in Parrott. According to VoetbalNieuws, Leeds tried to sign him during the summer window and tested AZ's resolve with an official proposal. The Whites have kept tabs on the 23-year-old since their unsuccessful pursuit and have now re-entered discussions to land him when the market reopens in January.

AZ's Stance

AZ Alkmaar are under no pressure to sell, given Parrott's contract length. However, VoetbalNieuws claims his departure would likely be a club-record sale, potentially surpassing the exits of Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Brighton) and Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan). It is expected that AZ could demand more than €30m (£26m) for the in-form striker. Will Leeds be willing to break the bank?

What Next?

The January transfer window is always a time for speculation, but Leeds' interest appears concrete. They have already opened lines of communication with AZ. However, they may face competition from other clubs impressed by Parrott's performances. The striker's priority will likely be regular game time, especially with the World Cup play-offs on the horizon. A move to Elland Road could offer him a platform in the Premier League, but would he be guaranteed starts? That is the question Leeds must answer.

Here is a quick summary of Parrott's career and stats:

Note: Stats for AZ are from his first season (2024/25). He has since added more goals in 2025/26.

As the 2026 winter window heats up, Leeds United's pursuit of Troy Parrott is one to watch. Will the Elland Road faithful see the Irishman leading their line? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Parrott's stock has never been higher. 🔥