Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a stunning move for former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott, with the club said to have sent officials to Spain to watch the Republic of Ireland international in action for Real Betis. According to reports originating with Spanish outlet Fichero and relayed by the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils have developed a serious interest in the 24-year-old as manager Michael Carrick considers attacking reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window.
United are understood to be on the hunt for a No. 9 with potential who can hit the ground running, having opted against signing a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window. Parrott would enter the frame with his “link-up play, physical strength, and clinical finishing”, the reports say. United are monitoring his development closely and have dispatched scouts to observe him in action for Betis in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Troy Parrott’s Remarkable Rise
The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive rise in recent seasons, establishing himself as a prolific goalscorer at AZ Alkmaar before joining Real Betis in the summer. Parrott scored 20 goals and provided five assists in his debut campaign with the Dutch club, before producing an outstanding return of 31 goals and 12 assists across 48 appearances last season. Across his entire spell in the Netherlands, he netted 51 times in 97 appearances after departing Spurs in 2024 in a £6.7 million permanent deal.
Those numbers, combined with a consistent scoring record for Ireland, earned him a £17 million switch to Betis over the summer. Since arriving in Spain, Parrott has continued to impress, chipping in with two goals and one assist in his early matches this season. He also impressed for Ireland during the recent international break, further strengthening his reputation as a promising attacking talent.
Troy Parrott’s Steep Release Clause
However, completing a deal will not be straightforward. Real Betis secured Parrott’s services for about €20 million and tied him to a contract running until 2031. The Spanish club are protected by an €80 million release clause — around £67.5 million — putting them in a strong negotiating position if Manchester United decide to formalise their interest. Betis have been in exceptional form this season, and they would be reluctant to lose a key player mid-season.
The situation surrounding Benjamin Sesko could also influence United’s plans. The Slovenian striker was signed to lead the line at Old Trafford but has struggled with injuries, reportedly missing over 100 days of action in a little over a year due to knee and shin injuries, and Carrick’s vague latest update has done little to quell fears of another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Tottenham could also look to lure Parrott back to north London as Roberto De Zerbi seeks to bolster his attacking options, so United are far from the only Premier League side thought to be circling. But the reports stress that there is no suggestion, at present, of United pursuing further moves for the striker. United continue to monitor Parrott, although there is no indication a formal bid is imminent — and with Betis reluctant to sell, the Red Devils may need to consider alternative targets if the financial demands prove excessive.
Why United Want a Striker Like Troy Parrott
The timing of the interest is no accident. Sesko was signed to lead the line at Old Trafford, but injury problems have forced United back into the market for a new number nine. The Slovenian has reportedly missed over 100 days of action in a little over a year due to knee and shin injuries. Carrick’s latest update did little to reassure: “Ben is kind of still undergoing a couple of checks before we update on timelines. We’re just trying to be clear with what that looks like. He’s still a little bit further away, but when we know, we’ll let you know.”
Parrott, 24, is slightly older than the 23-year-old Sesko, but his consistency and end product over the last 18 months suggest he could provide an upgrade on a player who has started five league matches in a row just once since the beginning of last season. His physical strength, intelligent movement and ability to link up with teammates would add variety to United’s attack — qualities that also explain why Tottenham are monitoring their former academy graduate. Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis have been in exceptional form, collecting 19 points from a possible 24 in the league and a perfect six from six in Europe, making them even less inclined to entertain a mid-season sale.