Zan Vipotnik to spearhead West Ham’s charge back to the big time as transfer speculation gathers pace
Zan Vipotnik could lead the line in West Ham United‘s push to regain their Premier League status with transfer speculation now picking up pace once more.
The Swansea City striker ended the Championship season as the top goal scorer with 23 to his name, but netted 25 times across all competitions this campaign.
Vitor Matos’ side will be pushing for a top-eight finish at best next season, and so speculation around Viptonik’s potential departure will continue to grow, but the number nine seems to have had his name linked to West Ham more than anyone.
The 24-year-old is a big physical presence who knows the Championship inside out now after two seasons in the second tier, and would be able to lead Nuno Espirito Santo‘s forward line expertly.
West Ham were linked with Vipotnik two months ago, but in the past week, speculation around a move for the Slovenian has been growing.
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Zan Vipotnik is everything West Ham need; here’s why
West Ham have been impressed with Vipotnik’s performances this season, and will be one of several clubs in for the number nine this summer.
The centre-forward possesses a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net in any way he can, but has a unique ball-striking ability that is almost too good for the Championship.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Right footed goals | 16 |
| Left footed goals | 3 |
| Headed goals | 4 |
| Goals in total | 23 |
| Non penalty goals | 18 |
Vipotnik is arguably just as gifted with both feet, and has the ability to score from multiple different scenarios.
The Slovenian international scored from fast breaks, free kicks, penalties, and other set-piece scenarios, displaying his vast qualities.
He is the perfect all-round number nine to help get Nuno’s side back to the promised land.
Swansea signed him on a free transfer from Bordeaux two summers ago, and David Sullivan may have to reach into his back pocket if he wants to get this deal done.
Vipotnik one of three strikers West Ham admire
The future of two current West Ham strikers, Taty Castellanos and Callum Wilson, is uncertain, as the pair could leave the London Stadium this summer.
This would almost certainly prompt the need for Sullivan to bring a new forward man, with Pablo the only other senior striker at the club.
Swansea City forward Zan Vipotnik is one of three strikers that West Ham are showing interested in this summer.
— West Ham News & Views (@WestHamViews_) May 28, 2026
[@swansea_indy] #WHUFC #COYI pic.twitter.com/xHVuQ12hda
As relayed by West Ham Views on X, the Hammers reportedly have Vipotnik on a three-man list of potential striker targets this summer.
It’s not known who the two others are, but given that Vipotnik’s name has been linked with the Hammers for a while now, it seems the most likely transfer to happen.