Celtic eye Dutch sensation as Hoops plan summer swoop

Celtic are eyeing a summer swoop for Million Manhoef. The Dutchman was previously a target for Rangers, but he opted to join Stoke City from Vitesse in February 2024.

The 23-year-old former Netherlands international spent his youth years with VPV Purmersteijn, AVV Zeeburgia, Amsterdamsche FC, and Vitesse before breaking into the latter’s senior set-up during the 2020-21 campaign. 

He fired 16 times and laid on 14 more in 88 appearances for the Dutch outfit, and the Potters, impressed by his flair down the right-hand flank, splashed £3m to secure his services midway through the previous season.

So far, Manhoef has netted 10 times and registered 5 assists in 49 outings for the  Staffordshire side, who are battling for survival in the English Championship.

 They finished six points clear of the relegation zone last year and only have a five-point cushion this season with four games remaining.

Despite his flexibility across the frontline, the left-footed wideman has been lethal from the right as an inverted winger. 

The Celts brought back Jota in the winter; also, they have Nicolas Kuhn, Yang Hyun-jun, and veteran James Forrest challenging each other for the starting spot. 

Kuhn remains the preferred choice; however, the growing interest in the German attacking ace from England and Germany could result in a summer exit.

Meanwhile, Celtic sent Luis Palma on loan to Olympiacos for regular game time. 

The outcast Honduran does not seem to have a future at Parkhead, and the 33-year-old Forrest could no longer be viewed as a first-team starter due to his form and fitness reasons. 

Jota is more comfortable from the left, and Yang, irrespective of his impact as a ‘super sub’, has not done enough to start games week in, and week out.

Manhoef could be efficacious as a squad player, but he is not ready yet to replace someone of Kuhn’s calibre. 

Brendan Rodgers should still sanction the transfer as the youngster holds a very high ceiling and ticks many boxes to flourish for the Glasgow giants.