Stoke City made the right transfer decision involving Celtic - Mark Robins is reaping the rewards | OneFootball

Million Manhoef was subject to speculation linking him with a move to Parkhead

Stoke City are now seeing the rewards of keeping hold of Dutch winger Million Manhoef, after resisting Celtic's reported interest earlier this year.

The 23-year-old was subject to speculation linking him with a move to Parkhead, with journalist Alan Nixon reporting via his Patreon, that Celtic were keeping tabs on the former Vitesse star as they looked to strengthen their wide positions.

Prior to signing for the Potters last February for an around £3m, Manhoef had scored 15 goals in the Eredivisie over four seasons.

Stoke City refused to cash in on Million Manhoef amid Celtic interest

Nixon's report revealed that Celtic were actively monitoring Manhoef as they sought competition for Nicholas Kuhn, or potentially a replacement if the German departed, which he eventually did for Como in Italy.

Sky Sports' David Prutton, speaking exclusively to FLW, described a potential move to Celtic as "tremendous" for Manhoef's development.

The Scottish giants were seemingly prepared to pursue the Dutch winger as they planned for another Champions League campaign - although they eventually failed to qualify after losing to Kairat Almaty on penalties.

As per FLW's Stoke City Fan Pundit, Sam Harrison, offers for Manhoef should've been listened to for £8m to £10m.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, as no deal came to fruition, despite further reported interest.

Mark Robins and Stoke City seeing the reward of keeping Million Manhoef

The Dutch international has started brightly for the Potters this season, contributing two goals in his first four Championship appearances - albeit a brace in the 3-0 away win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Manhoef has started all four of Stoke's league games so far, and is a big reason as to why Mark Robins' side are sitting third in the table on nine points. All four of Manhoef, Divin Mubama, Lewis Baker and Sorba Thomas scored two league goals each before the international break.

Aside from goals, Manhoef has completed five successful dribbles and created four chances in the Championship so far.

It seems as though he's started with a point to prove, as Manhoef told BBC Radio Stoke in July he "can't wait to get rocking" and was confident of having a good season.

While his talent has never really been in question to Stoke fans, consistency has. "The one thing about Million Manhoef is that he is absolutely key to Stoke having success. However, consistency of performances has been a big thing," Harrison told FLW.

The Dutchman will only need to score three more league goals for the rest of the season to match his 24/25 tally of five, but he also managed five assists in the league last campaign as well.

Million Manhoef wants to play in the Premier League

Manhoef himself has stated his ambitions to reach England's top flight, telling Dutch magazine Voetbal International before playing in the U21 Euros this summer: "I went to England to make a step, to then make another step to the highest level, the Premier League."

Being 23-years-old, Manhoef was the oldest player at the tournament this year, and was allowed to play because he was born after January 1st 2002 - meaning he was 21 when qualifying began.

By keeping him and building a competitive team around him, Stoke are putting themselves in good stead to potentially fulfill those ambitions together.

As per Capology estimates, the winger earns £12.5k-a-week and his current contract runs until 2027, meaning the club are under no pressure to sell and he's on a very attractive wage for someone of his age at this level.

Ultimately, the early evidence suggests Stoke made the right call in resisting Celtic's apparent interest in Manhoef. If Robins can help with the consistency that has been missing from the Dutch forward's game, the Potters have a key player for a potential promotion push on their hands.