Stoke City’s Future Talent at Risk—Manhoef Exit Looms Large as they join other Championship teams in search of midfield options
Stoke City will envision a much better 2025/26 season. Mark Robins will lead SCFC, who finished safe last round.
Since dropping to the Championship in 2018, the Potters have disappointed. Most worryingly for the club, they have been on a gradual decline that resulted in a close brush with relegation last season.
Now though, with Robins at the helm, there are higher prospects for the future.
However, according to EFL Analysis, reporter Graeme Bailey has stated Stoke City could look to cash in on winger Million Manhoef to give themselves more PSR breathing room.
Bailey maintains SCFC are not having financial problems, yet they may have to cash in on a crucial asset like Manhoef to spend on fresh recruits with an eye on rules.
He said: “It’s my understanding that he’s likely to leave. A reasonable offer will get him out. It won’t be large, it’ll be less than £10 million.
“But Stoke City have got money. It’s simply PSR and spending, so if they do a sale it would benefit Stoke to allow them to conduct other business.
You can’t just spend, as we know, but in theory Stoke have one of the richest owners in England so it’s not like they need the money, but obviously everyone has to play by the regulations to a certain extent.”
An asset that Stoke City could sell
Stoke City have several prominent players and young talents on their books, and Manhoef is surely among them.
The Dutchman is an electrifying winger on his day, at his finest cutting in from the right-hand side onto his left foot. Last season, he produced seven goals and four assists in 38 games across all competitions.
However, there is inconsistency in his game, and with that can come frustration. SCFC and its faithful followers presumably feel there will come a time when it really comes together for Manhoef and his stock skyrockets, but if extra income is required, they may well gain from rolling the dice and cashing in early.
In what location must the Potters find new recruits?
The Stoke City squad is quite well stocked but Robins will be anxious to make his mark and as such, sales will open the door for new additions.
A centre-back will likely be sought with Michael Rose going and Ashley Phillips’ loan expiring. Depth at full-back will be required as well.
Jordan Thompson is departing and both Wouter Burger and Sol Sidibe have admirers, possibly paving the door for new alternatives in midfield.
Perhaps most crucially though, a proven talisman could be sought. Ryan Mmaee is in set for an exit and banking on Sam Gallagher’s fitness is a gamble, so a more senior option could be brought in to compete with Nathan Lowe and Emre Tezgel.
Stoke city joins other Skybet Teams in chase of midfielder
Stoke City have joined a host of other Sky Bet Championship clubs in the race for Clermont Foot’s highly-rated midfielder Habib Keïta, according to sources.
The 23-year-old, who works more of a defensive role in the heart of the park, joined the Ligue 2 team from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023.
He played a prominent role last season, featured often for Les Auvergnats as he chalked up 30 appearances across all competitions.
But he did not participate in the last five games of the season, coinciding with his choice to change agents—which is often an indication of a player wishing to move on.
The Potters, as well as Queens Park Rangers, have been listed as admirers, though there remains other unnamed clubs from the English second division still circling for Keïta’s signature.
The West Midlands side almost averted relegation to League One last time around, finishing just two points above the drop zone in 18th spot. Similarly Clermont required a relegation play-off victory over Boulogne to keep their Ligue 2 status.
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