Report: Leeds United respond after being told to spend £25m on striker Robbie Keane thinks is ‘clever’
With Leeds United celebrating their long-awaited return to the Premier League, attention is now shifting to the club’s summer transfer plans. Among the top priorities for manager Daniel Farke and the recruitment team is securing a proven striker capable of delivering goals at the top level. However, not all targets are financially viable, with one name in particular – Troy Parrott – currently deemed too expensive by the Elland Road hierarchy.
Farke currently has three recognised forwards at his disposal, but question marks surround each of them as the club prepares for the step up in quality. Joel Piroe, who clinched the Championship Golden Boot for the 2024–25 season with 19 goals, remains a key option. Yet despite topping the scoring charts, Piroe’s performances have often been criticised for inconsistency, with the Dutchman going quiet during crucial stretches of the campaign. In addition, he has no Premier League experience, raising doubts about how well he’ll adapt to the top flight.
Patrick Bamford, who has featured in the Premier League before, faces uncertainty over his future. The former England international struggled with injuries once again last season and failed to score a single goal, casting serious doubt on his reliability moving forward. Although his contract runs until 2026, the club may look to move on if a suitable replacement is found.
Then there’s Mateo Joseph, the promising young forward who may not be at the club much longer. Real Betis, long-time admirers of the 20-year-old, are reportedly preparing a fresh bid after a £10 million offer was turned down in January. If Joseph departs, Leeds will be even more short-handed in attack.
Given these circumstances, the need for a dependable, Premier League-ready striker is more urgent than ever. A host of names have been linked with a move to West Yorkshire, including established Premier League figures such as Everton’s Beto, Leicester City veteran Jamie Vardy, and Brighton’s young star Evan Ferguson. However, one forward who had been considered by the club – Troy Parrott – appears to have priced himself out of a move, according to recent reports.
Leeds Balk at £25 Million Price Tag for Eredivisie Star Parrott
Parrott, who now plies his trade at AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie, has enjoyed the best season of his career since completing a permanent move from Tottenham Hotspur last summer. The Republic of Ireland international found the net 20 times and contributed five assists in 46 appearances across all competitions – including four goals and two assists in the Europa League.
Leeds had been monitoring the 23-year-old closely, impressed by his output and development in the Netherlands. But according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, AZ are demanding a club-record £25 million to part ways with their prized asset – a fee Leeds have deemed too steep. The club reportedly informed Alkmaar that while Parrott is a player of interest, they would only pursue a deal if the price were significantly reduced.
Parrott’s Experience and Keane Comparison Spark Debate Among Fans
Despite his relatively young age, Parrott has amassed a wealth of experience at club level. He has nearly 200 senior appearances to his name, having played for a string of clubs including Spurs, AZ Alkmaar, Excelsior, Ipswich Town, Millwall, MK Dons, and Preston North End. However, only two of those appearances came in the Premier League – a concern for a newly promoted side seeking immediate impact.
Internationally, he has become a mainstay for the Republic of Ireland, earning 28 senior caps. His technical qualities and intelligent movement have drawn comparisons to another Irishman with a rich Leeds legacy – Robbie Keane.
Keane himself has spoken highly of Parrott, praising him as a “clever” striker with good anticipation in the box. Although he may not be the fastest forward, his positional awareness and decision-making set him apart from others in his age group.
While some Leeds supporters dream of Parrott following in Keane’s footsteps and becoming a cult hero at Elland Road, the financial aspect of the deal remains a significant hurdle. AZ Alkmaar appear in no mood to lower their demands, but if the player expresses a desire to move and the clubs can find common ground, a deal might still be possible.
Conclusion: Striker Search Continues for Leeds United
As things stand, Leeds United’s pursuit of a new striker continues. Whether they revisit talks for Parrott later in the window or shift their focus to more affordable alternatives remains to be seen. What’s clear, though, is that Daniel Farke needs attacking reinforcements who can hit the ground running in the Premier League.
With Bamford’s injury issues, Piroe’s unproven top-flight credentials, and Joseph’s uncertain future, Leeds can’t afford to get this decision wrong. The club must now weigh value against potential – and decide whether to spend big or search for hidden gems to lead the line in 2025–26.