Everton have every right to feel pleased with their start, yet the decision over Troy Parrott now looks costly. David Moyes’ side have taken nine points from five Premier League matches, winning twice and drawing three times, but they have scored only six league goals. Thierno Barry has supplied two, while Everton have had no alternative centre-forward.

Parrott has become one of the most talked-about Irish forwards in Europe. Real Betis paid AZ Alkmaar about €20 million for the 24-year-old in August, giving him a contract until 2031. He then scored the winner against Real Madrid before producing another Champions League goal against Lille.

His international record is now hard to ignore. Parrott has scored nine goals across his last six competitive appearances for Ireland, including two against Austria on October 1. His first goal showed the sharper side of his game, as he carried the ball from distance, beat defenders and finished calmly.

Kevin Kilbane urged Moyes to consider Parrott, having worked with Moyes at Everton. Kilbane described him as stronger, more mature and more complete, with his game improving after his spell in Dutch football.

Everton had tracked Parrott before. The club discussed him during the winter window and again last summer, while reports have suggested the Dublin-born forward supports the Toffees. Yet Moyes chose other possibilities, as reported by AS . Everton pursued Folarin Balogun and Joshua Zirkzee, but both moves failed.

The contrast is striking here. Parrott cost Betis around €20m, modest by Premier League standards. Everton began with Barry as their only recognised senior number nine, leaving little room for rotation.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 04: Troy Parrott of Real Betis celebrates after scoring the teams first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid at Estadio La Cartuja on September 04, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Moyes has built a side that presses aggressively and defends from the front, so a stronger centre-forward could have given Everton another route into matches. Parrott can run behind defenders, link play, attack crosses and finish chances, adding variety to a team relying on narrow margins.