West Ham surely having a laugh after what’s been reported about Zan Vipotnik
West Ham United’s need for a new striker in January is well documented, but it seems as though no real plan is in place.
With the transfer window set to open in less than two weeks’ time, the Irons continue to be linked with an array of names.
Niclas Fullkrug’s exit is set to go through next month, but West Ham must ensure a replacement – and indeed an instant upgrade – is ready to slot straight in.
Fiorentina forward Moise Kean has been linked with West Ham, as have at least a handful of other exciting options.
However, it appears that West Ham may now be looking down to the Championship amid talk of a possible move for Swansea City’s Zan Vipotnik.
West Ham contact Swansea over possible Zan Vipotnik deal
West Ham have had notable success signing players from England’s second tier, with Jarrod Bowen undoubtedly top of that list.
But a report via GiveMeSport will surely not fill West Ham fans will much confidence, as an enquiry is said to have been made regarding Vipotnik.
West Ham are said to hold a genuine interest in the Slovenia international, although there has been nothing more than initial checks at this stage.
Vipotnik has scored eight goals in 19 Championship appearances this season, which is by no means a bad return but is also hardly blistering.
In fact, Vipotnik has found the net in just two of his past 10 outings in all competitions for club and country.
And he only managed 10 goals in 37 Ligue 2 appearances for Bordeaux prior to joining Swansea, with whom he netted seven in 42 in his first league campaign.
As per FBref, Vipotnik ranks in the bottom 41 percentile of forwards from the next 14 divisions most alike the Championship for non-penalty expected goals (xG).
David Sullivan faces massive West Ham backlash if he gets this wrong
Make no mistake about it, West Ham are in a serious relegation battle this season.
| Zan Vipotnik | Games | Goals |
| 2023-24 | 37 | 10 |
| 2024-25 | 42 | 7 |
| 2025-26 | 19 | 8 |
If a half-decent striker is not recruited in January, there is a serious possibility the Hammers could go down in May.
Vipotnik is not the calibre of player West Ham should be going for. This is not the time to buy for the future, or even to recruit back-ups – a new number nine is needed right now.
David Sullivan has had countless fan protests to sit through down the years, and there will be another right around the corner if he and the board mess this up.
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