Million Manhoef is moving permanently to Stoke City, Vitesse announced through official channels. The 22-year-old attacker reportedly earns the Arnhem team around four million euros. A large amount for the financially distressed Vitesse.

The Arnhem team was already open to a departure for Manhoef, but the transfer fee would have to be in the region of four million euros. Edward Sturing and technical director Benjamin Schmedes did not want to let the left leg go for a long time, but due to the club's financial situation, Vitesse must receive money.

The Gelderlander previously reported that the club needs 'at least' five million euros to be able to complete this season at all. Although Manhoef's departure is a sporting loss for the bottom of the Eredivisie, the financial aspect weighed more heavily.

At Stoke City, Manhoef finds himself in a similar sporting situation as at Vitesse. Stoke are only nineteenth in the Championship, seven points from a relegation place. For a while it seemed that Manhoef would leave for PSV, as the Eindhoven team will not have access to Noa Lang, who has injured his hamstring, for some time. It soon became clear that the transfer would not take place after all.

“Million was one of our trendsetters and will certainly be missed,” says Schmedes. “Nevertheless, this is a step that is good for both himself, Vitesse and Stoke City. It is a good example of a player who was trained by Vitesse and can now be sold, a year and a half before the end of his contract. Apart from the business side, we wish him all the best on a sporting level.”

Manhoef signs for 3.5 years at the bet365 Stadium. “I am very happy,” says Manhoef on the club channels the Potters. “This is a big club and I want to show people what I can do. I wanted to move to England and have only heard good things about Stoke City. There are a few Dutch compatriots at Stoke and I felt it was natural for me to move here to come.”

Manhoef will meet fellow countrymen Ki-Jana Hoever and Wouter Burger at Stoke. “I can't wait to meet my teammates and play football in the colors of Stoke. There's a big game coming up on Saturday, so hopefully I can get involved straight away and help the team.” Stoke will take on leader Leicester City on Saturday, which is well on its way to returning to the Premier League after a season.

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