Before the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Leeds United were linked with a plethora of strikers in the summer, with AZ Alkmaar and Ireland star Troy Parrott strongly touted as a possible arrival.
Following promotion, Daniel Farke decided Patrick Bamford would not be a part of his plans, and Mateo Joseph forced a loan move to Mallorca. It left Farke with only Joel Piroe as an option to lead the line.
Lukas Nmecha was signed on a free transfer, but immediately after the two-time Germany international’s arrival, Leeds made it clear he was only brought in as a rotational option. Leeds wanted a starting striker.
Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, new Atalanta ace Nikola Krstovic, Roma powerhouse Artem Dovbyk, Everton ace Beto and plenty of others were linked. As was Troy Parrott, who has starred in the Netherlands recently.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty ImagesTroy Parrott reaches 15 goals and assists after Leeds decision
Parrott left Tottenham after a series of loans to reignite his career in Holland with Alkmaar in the summer of 2024 and he’s done just that. His first season saw him have a hand in 25 goals in 47 appearances.
But this season, Parrott looks reborn. Already, he has 13 goals in 11 games as well as laying on two more for his teammates. That is despite an injury keeping him sidelined for seven games until the last fortnight.
On Sunday, Parrott scored twice in a 4-1 win over Utrecht. It comes after Leeds were given the chance to sign Parrott for £25m in the summer, but Farke’s men decided that was too expensive and turned it down.
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Troy Parrott would be an improvement on Joel Piroe
Parrott is certainly not the kind of player that would come in for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Leeds’ current first-choice striker is good in the air and excellent in holding up the ball and bringing others into play.
That is not Parrott’s style. The Ireland star drops in deep and joins the build-up, able to play as a no.10 as well as a striker. It has seen him lay on seven assists since joining AZ, little over a year ago.
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He is much more comparable to Piroe, and Aidy White thinks Leeds should sell Piroe. There has been talk of a move and LeedsUnited.News insider Graeme Bailey thinks Piroe’s agents will be preparing an exit.
If Piroe goes, Parrott would be a stunning signing but realistically, Leeds will have to wait until the end of the season. Parrott won’t want to leave in January and Leeds can’t do a permanent deal due to PSR.