The 24-year-old Irishman Troy Parrott has confirmed his signing for Real Betis, choosing La Liga over West Ham and the chance to compete in the Champions League. Parrott, who scored 12 goals last season with AZ Alkmaar and netted for the Irish national team, joined Betis’ squad in Seville this week, where he met his new teammates and familiarised himself with the surroundings. His arrival comes after a season of rumours linking him to clubs across Europe, especially West Ham, but the Spanish club offered him his first opportunity in the continental competition.

Competition for the striker spot

At Betis, the main rival for the striker position will be Colombian Cucho Hernández. Hernández was the club’s top scorer last season, with 11 goals in La Liga and 15 overall, and helped Betis finish 5th in the table. The Colombian forward also played at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming off the bench in the round-of-16 loss to Switzerland, where his miss in the penalty shoot-out ended Colombia’s campaign.

Betis’ playing style

Manager Manuel Pellegrini prefers a 4-2-3-1 with a single striker supported by an attacking trio. Creativity usually comes from Antony, who recovered from a Manchester United injury and has revitalised in La Liga, and from Pablo Fornals, former West Ham, as well as from the playmaker Isco, who has won several Champions Leagues. Parrott hopes to benefit from the combination of these three players.

Upcoming debut

Betis has a match on Friday 21 August against Real Sociedad, but it is unlikely Parrott will appear, as he only trained with the squad that afternoon. A more realistic debut would be on Tuesday 25 August in the away trip to Valencia or Saturday 29 August against Levante.

Champions League calendar

Real Betis finished 5th in La Liga, securing a Champions League spot for the first time since 2006. The group-stage draw will take place on 27 August, and the first group-stage match will be played between 8 and 10 September.

Last season

In the 2025-26 season, Betis reached the quarter-finals in both La Liga and the Europa League, before losing to Atlético de Madrid and Braga, respectively. The club also reached the Europa League final in 2025, marking its best European campaign in recent years.

Irish connection

Betis has a history of ties with Ireland, not just because of the green colour of its kit. The club won its only La Liga title in 1933 under the guidance of Irish coach Patrick O’Connell, who managed the team in the 1930s and 1940s.

The first group-stage match of the Champions League will be played between 8 and 10 September.