SEVILLE, Spain (AP) 鈥� Real Betis strengthened its attack for a first campaign in 21 years by signing Ireland forward Troy Parrott, whose five goals in two World Cup qualifying games .
Parrott signed a five-year deal after joining from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, late Thursday.
The transfer fee for the 24-year-old former Tottenham player was reportedly 16 million euros ($18.8 million).
Parrott scored 31 goals for AZ last season and made headlines with stunning back-to-back games for Ireland in November.
Needing to win both games to reach the World Cup playoffs, Parrott scored twice in a then a hat trick in a 3-2 win at Hungary capped by the winner deep into stoppage time.
The goal and team celebration instantly entered Irish soccer lore and changing its name to 鈥淭roy Parrott Airport.鈥�
Parrott also scored in the playoffs semifinal in March when Ireland wasted a two-goal lead in Prague before losing a penalty shootout to the Czech Republic.
Betis, which plays in Irish green and white, last season to claim the Champions League entry awarded to Spain as a bonus because of its clubs鈥� overall record in the three UEFA competitions.
The team now coached by Manuel Pellegrini last played in the Champions League in 2005-06, placing third in a group with Liverpool, Chelsea and Anderlecht.
The 36-team league phase draw is made in Monaco next Thursday.
___
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
