Tottenham Hotspur have now set their sights on a move to re-sign Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar this summer, following the forward's excellent 31-goal campaign.
Tottenham eyeing Troy Parrott return
Tottenham have been searching for their next Harry Kane for the last three years and it turns out that their best choice may well have been the man they let go.
It's one of many transfer regrets that those in North London have endured over the years - regrets that they could still pay the ultimate price for this season - but there is still a way to make things right.
According to Soccer News in the Netherlands, Tottenham are now eyeing a move to sign Parrott from AZ Alkmaar in the coming months. The Republic of Ireland international left the club in 2024 and has since gone on to become a regular international goalscorer and star striker in the Eredivisie.
Troy Parrott has scored more goals than Solanke, Kolo Muani and Richarlison combined this season (31)
To say that Parrott would be an upgrade would be a major understatement. He has been clinical in the Netherlands this season and, according to Football London's Alasdair Gold, would jump at the chance to rejoin Tottenham.
Said to be "similar to Harry Kane" in the view of one prominent Premier League analyst, Parrott certainly has a decision to make this summer. At 24 years old, he's in the prime of his career and could finally come full circle to end some unfinished business in the Premier League.
Of course, a lot of that may depend on Tottenham's survival status, however. As things stand, they're on course to avoid shock relegation, but any summer moves will be put on hold until that has been confirmed.
De Zerbi urges Tottenham to "play with confidence"
The fate of Tottenham's season depends on a trip to Stamford Bridge yet again. Whether this battle ends in success is the big question, however. It will still seem like yesterday when Eden Hazard ended their title hopes.
These days, they're hoping for far less than title success, though. Instead, they're desperately hoping to survive courtesy of victory over their rivals. Roberto De Zerbi's arrival has certainly helped and he's urged his side to "play with confidence" even as his toughest test awaits.
The Italian told reporters: "We have to play with confidence because in the last four games, the last five games with me, because we didn't deserve to lose the game in Sunderland, but in the last four we made eight points. And if you analyse the performance, I think we could make more points than eight, and for that we have to be confident, be positive.
"Anyway, we can't forget one month ago what was the situation. We are not safe yet, it's tough in the Premier League.
"Making one point is tough because all teams fight on the pitch, all teams are very tough to beat, but we have the quality enough and we have to show the quality with the right mentality, the right spirit. I want to see courage on the pitch, try (to have) the condition to win the game, like in the last period.”