“Around £7m-8m” – Stoke City man touted to be in-demand during January transfer window

“Around £7m-8m” – Stoke City man touted to be in-demand during the January transfer window.

The majority of Stoke City’s star players were able to remain at the bet365 Stadium despite having to fend off transfer interest for several of their top players this summer.

Even though Bae Jun-ho, Wetter Burger, and Million Manhoef—all of whom are still active in the Staffordshire market—were reportedly wanted men throughout the summer, Narcis Pelach, the new guy in charge, is still driving the group.

Once the summer transfer window closes, however, all eyes will be on January, when teams will be vying for players to join them and will do all in their power to hang onto their finest players.

With that in mind, we spoke to Football League World’s Stoke City fan pundit Sam Harrison about who he thinks could be the player to attract the most interest once the calendar year begins afresh.

Stoke City, Million Manhoef prediction made ahead of January transfer window

Harrison has identified Manhoef as the most in-demand player in three months, and his early performances have definitely helped his cause. Burger and Jun-ho have continued to establish their value at the beginning of the 2024–25 campaign.

Leeds United, a Championship competitor, reportedly expressed interest in the Dutchman during the summer. The deft attacker has now demonstrated his status as a top EFL player once more, scoring three goals in eleven games across all competitions.

The 22-year-old’s goal against Plymouth Argyle gave City their lone league away victory of the season at Home Park, and his flash of brilliance was sufficient to give Steven Schumacher a victory in one of his last few games.

And even with all the brilliance surrounding him in the Stoke team, Burgess is sure that after Auld Lang Syne is sung this winter, there will be much more interest in Manhoef’s services.

“One player that I think is going to get some transfer interest is Million Manhoef,” the City supporter stated.

“We do have some really talented players that have drawn interest in the past, such Wouter Burger and Bae Jun-ho, but I believe that Manhoef will get more attention because his style will fit that of many more teams.

Looking at that, though, you have to wonder if clubs at the top of the Championship, like Leeds, who were obviously interested in him previously, will now be searching for a different kind of winger—someone who can cut in on his left and curl the ball in.

Because of this, I am stating that, out of everyone, I believe he might draw some interest; fortunately, this leads to nothing. However, he might clearly be of interest to other clubs, as he could provide a unique element to their squad that Stoke is aware of.

Million Manhoef valuation ahead of January transfer window

Leeds was rumoured to be interested in City a few months ago, but the Yorkshire club eventually signed Largie Ramazani [pictured] from UD Almeria to handle their business on the flanks.

Burgess is unsure if the Potters would be able to recover an eight-figure fee if they let Daniel Farke go, even though it remains to be seen if his side returns in January.

“To put a price on it is really tough because money flies everywhere in this day and age,” Sam went on. It is quite challenging to discuss a player’s value because it is illogical.

I’m not sure if my estimate is too low or biassed, but it’s incredibly difficult. Right now, I’m guessing £5 million.

“Maybe that is even too low, but I just think that he has a lot of potential given his age, his talent, and the fact that he is a Dutch young international.

It is possible that £5 million is too low. Instead, we may consider a budget of £7-8 million or even double digits, but I believe that would be asking for a little too much.

“Million Manhoef’s price tag is extremely difficult to predict because it could rise with each season, which is something we hope happens, and we hope he doesn’t draw attention from other sources.”

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