From surviving to thriving
Zan Vipotnik currently leads the Championship golden boot race with 23 goals in 43 league appearances, holding a six-goal advantage over his nearest competitor, Haji Wright. As Swansea City prepares for their final home game of the season against Charlton Athletic, this match may also mark the end of Vipotnik's tenure at the club amid the approaching transfer window.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, the 24-year-old striker remains composed, reflecting on what he describes as a "magical" season. His journey began with speculation of a low-cost transfer but has culminated in him becoming one of the most sought-after players in the division.
Regarding whether he will remain at Swansea for the 2026-27 season, Vipotnik, like many others, is awaiting developments.
Vipotnik's remarkable goal tally has positioned him on the verge of securing the Championship's golden boot. This achievement follows his success at Swansea's recent end-of-season awards, where he was honored with multiple accolades.
He was also included in the Championship team of the season and nominated for the overall player of the year award at the EFL awards held last month.
His progress is notable considering his challenging first season in English football during 2024-25, which began with a free transfer from Bordeaux after the French club's financial difficulties. In that initial season, Vipotnik scored seven goals in 44 appearances, leading to doubts about his adaptation to English football.
"Last year was the season of learning, I'll say," Vipotnik states. "I scored my first goal early. I thought it will be easier [after that]. But at the end I saw how tough the league is.
"I'm thankful for the first season because I learned a lot. I think I grew a little bit, also in life - how you how you manage the falls when you fell down a little bit."
The 2025-26 season began with Liam Cullen as Swansea's preferred striker and Vipotnik initially on the bench. The signing of Adam Idah from Celtic on deadline day was intended to establish Idah as the primary striker. However, Vipotnik's impact, initially as a substitute and later as a starter under Alan Sheehan from late August, changed the club's plans.
His three goals in the first five games convinced Swansea to retain him rather than sell during the summer transfer window.
"I won't say it was close, but we were finding the solutions because of what we heard from the people in the club," Vipotnik explains. "But at the end we said that we were going to try our luck to survive here.
"It was tough. I was at one point third choice, but they gave me the chance in the next one or two games and I scored in the first one, scored in the second one, scored in the third one. I stayed here and at the end of the season it was magical for me."
'The keepers are looking for the ball in the net'
Vipotnik has scored 25 goals for Swansea this season, becoming the first player to reach this milestone since Wilfried Bony in the 2013-14 season. Additionally, he has netted three goals for the Slovenian national team.
His goal celebrations, featuring hands held before his eyes like binoculars, have become a familiar sight.
"My agent had a joke that the keepers are looking for the ball in the net," Vipotnik shares with a smile. "I found it fun and now it's like a trademark. I like it."
Only Erling Haaland has scored more league goals than Vipotnik across England's top four divisions this season.
What will the transfer window bring?
When discussing his future, Vipotnik maintains a positive demeanor. Last summer, Swansea considered selling him amid interest from European clubs. However, his outstanding performance this season has significantly increased his market value. The new contract he signed in March strengthens Swansea's position in any potential negotiations.
Despite this, the club anticipates considerable interest in the striker, and a transfer during the upcoming window would not be unexpected.
Vipotnik has been linked with clubs at the top of the Championship and lower-tier Premier League teams. Reports from Portugal also suggest interest from prominent clubs such as Benfica and Sporting CP.
Swansea head coach Vitor Matos acknowledges the inevitability of interest, noting that Vipotnik's future depends on the concrete offers received once the transfer window opens in mid-June.
Vipotnik remarks that it is "always a pleasure" to attract attention from other clubs but confirms that he has not yet engaged in discussions with Swansea regarding a possible summer move.
"I said I had dream when I was young to play in the in the best league in the world, the Premier League, and we're going to see what will happen," he says.
"[But] it's too early to speak about. I need to say I'm thankful for the club. They gave me the new contract, they show me the project and I'm happy here."
- Will Vipotnik be the next big Championship exit?
- Latest Swansea City news, analysis and fan views
- Listen to the latest Swansea City interviews, news and discussion on
