Republic of Ireland icon Shane Long has reacted to the speculation linking former Tottenham starlet Troy Parrott with a return to the Premier League.
The young centre-forward has come of age since his move to AZ Alkmaar, and finished the 2025-26 season with an astounding 31 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances.
Everton have been credited with an interest in Parrott, while some reports indicate that Coventry City are also plotting a move for the former Spurs man ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Additionally, some sources have revealed that Leeds are considering securing the former Tottenham man, who qualifies as a homegrown player in England after spending his formative years at Hotspur Way.
Shane Long reacts to rumours linking Troy Parrott with a return to Tottenham
Over recent days, some reports from the Netherlands have suggested that Spurs are exploring the possibility of re-signing Parrott, as they look to refresh their forward line ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first season in charge.
However, Long is not convinced that a return to N17 would be the ideal step for the Irish striker, given how he was treated by the North London club.
Long told Boyle Sports: “I don’t know if Troy Parrott wants to go back to Spurs – they’ve already turfed him out. I don’t know if Troy Parrott wants to go back to Spurs. I’m sure he’s got over thirty goals this year. He has a lot of energy, he’s quick, and he’s a goal scorer.
“Every club wants a goal scorer, someone who can stick in the box and put the ball away when it falls to them. It’s a hell of a talent to have. He went out to AZ Alkmaar, and it was kind of his last chance, as he had been on loan at a few places where it didn’t really happen.
“Tottenham had enough and let him off, and he’s gone out there and rebuilt his career. Scoring five goals in two games for Ireland also brought him right into the spotlight. He’s a good kid, I want to see him do well.”
Roberto De Zerbi could tempt Parrott to return to Spurs
Tottenham have a 20 per cent sell-on clause on the centre-forward, which means that they can sign him on a discounted fee compared to his other suitors.
Long is not ruling out the possibility of De Zerbi convincing the 24-year-old to return to N17 to lead the line for his side.
The former Southampton man added about Parrott: “He was a young lad coming through with Ireland when I was there, asking questions, trying to get better, and really enthusiastic about the game. He’s one of those kids you want to see do well.
“I think there will be a lot of teams looking at him if Tottenham aren’t the team they were before. But now with De Zerbi there, who knows? It’ll be tempting for him, but I’m sure there will be a lot of teams looking at him as well. He’d have a few options.”
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