Credit: Imago

James Barker

Wed 1 April 2026 8:10, UK

Zan Vipotnik bagged a brace for Slovenia against Montenegro on Tuesday night, with West Ham United strongly linked with signing him during the winter window.

The 24-year-old was touted with a move to West Ham in this season’s January window, but no move materialised.

Vipotnik has been enjoying a superb season in the Championship with Swansea City, bagging 17 goals from 17 league outings.

He’s top of the second tier scoring charts as a result, with Coventry City’s Haji Wright one behind him on 16: a return made even more impressive considering Swansea’s league position, 14th.

Regardless of what division West Ham are plying their trade in next term, the Hammers will surely have an eye on strengthening their strike department in the transfer market.

How did Zan Vipotnik perform for Slovenia vs Montenegro?

West Ham were urged to sign Vipotnik in the winter given his brilliant form for Swansea, and they may now feel a tinge of regret for not pushing harder to get a deal done.

The big centre-forward’s transfer value is sure to have only increased come the summer, especially if he takes home the Championship’s golden boot.

He’s really looked the part for the Swans this season, as despite his 19 goal contributions in the second tier, the former Bordeaux man has averaged just 19.4 touches per game.

That shows he can still impact games and pop up with goals when he’s not been overly involved, and with 15 of his 17 goals coming inside the box, he’s seemingly got that predatory knack for scoring goals that can show itself at any level.

So, it’s pretty obvious as to why West Ham seemingly like what they see in Vipotnik, and his two goals against Montenegro for Slovenia on Tuesday night will only further reaffirm those feelings.

The Slovenian striker got his first goal on 41 minutes with a right-footed effort, before notching his second of the game on 55 minutes with another courtesy of his right boot.

What are the risks for a potential signing of Vipotnik?

With all of that said, West Ham should still proceed with caution regarding a possible move for Vipotnik this summer.

Firstly, the Championship and the French second division are the highest domestic leagues he’s turned out in, having also spent time in Slovenia’s top flight with the likes of Maribor and Gorica respectively.

This season has seen him burst into goalscoring life in the Championship, but that wasn’t the case last term, where he bagged only seven goals in 42 games for Swansea.

If West Ham are operating as a Championship team next season, then pursuing Vipotnik’s signature should absolutely be something they throw themselves into.

However, if they remain in the Premier League, then perhaps going with a safer and more proven player in the top flight would be a wiser move.