West Ham United target Championship top scorer Zan Vipotnik

West Ham United have placed 24‑year‑old Slovenian striker Zan Vipotnik at the top of their summer transfer list as they rebuild after relegation. Vipotnik, the Championship golden‑boot winner with 23 goals and three assists in 45 games, could fit Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical plan.

West Ham United see Vipotnik as a key addition to address their lack of firepower in the final third. The striker recorded 23 goals and three assists across 45 appearances for Swansea City last season, earning the league’s golden boot.

Interest in Vipotnik also comes from Portuguese giants Sporting CP and Benfica, as well as several Premier League clubs. The forward has publicly stated his desire to play in the Premier League, adding a challenge for the East London side.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is overseeing the rebuild and requires a reliable finisher to match his tactical blueprint. Former Newcastle United head of recruitment Steve Nickson is the leading candidate to become West Ham’s new recruitment chief.

The club has been without a director of recruitment since Kyle Macauley departed in October 2025, shortly after Graham Potter’s exit. Filling that vacancy is seen as essential to stabilise the transfer strategy.

Vipotnik contributed roughly 40 % of Swansea City’s league goals, operating as a penalty‑box predator who thrives on close‑range finishes. His physical presence aligns with Nuno’s need for a robust focal point in a demanding 46‑game season.

West Ham still benefit from parachute payments, allowing them to offer wage packages that surpass many mid‑table European clubs. Financial backing could persuade Vipotnik to join the Hammers despite the prospect of a season in the Championship.