Žan Vipotnik | The people here made clear how much they wanted me at Swansea City
Žan Vipotnik has revealed how the determined repeated efforts Swansea City made to acquire his services allowed the club to beat off competition and ensure the striker became the latest player to join Luke Williams’ squad.
The 22-year-old Slovenian forward has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Swans, following a mutual termination of his contract at French club Bordeaux.
Vipotnik adds to head coach Luke Williams' options in the final third, and will seek to provide a physical presence and goalscoring focal point as he competes with Liam Cullen for the striking role.
He has become the fourth signing of the summer window, and Vipotnik got down to work with his new teammates at Fairwood on Monday, having been formally presented as a Swansea player at Saturday’s friendly against Rio Ave.
The new number nine was a target for a host of clubs across the continent, but the forward – who featured for his country at the Euro 2024 finals earlier this summer – found the clarity Swansea offered when it came to his role, and their resolve to convince him to move to south Wales, a powerful combination.
Indeed, the club even sent members of the medical team out to meet Vipotnik so his medical could be conducted as soon as possible in order to complete the deal.
“It has been a busy summer for me with what happened in Bordeaux, but I spoke with the chairman and with the coach and I saw and heard the way they want to take the football club,” he said.
“I like the plans they had and because of this I chose Swansea.
“Those conversations showed me the way the people are here. I liked the way we could speak about anything with the coach and chairman, I like these open conversations.
“They told me everything about the club, but the most important thing was how the team play, how the city and the club are linked. I like that the city lives for football, and the way Swansea play.
“The way they were with me was really amazing, I didn’t expect this, but they did everything for me and I can only say thank you for everything they did to help me to complete signing here.”
Vipotnik started his career in his homeland with Maribor, having loan spells with Gorica and Triglav Kranj.
He made the move to Bordeaux in the summer of 2023, and scored 10 goals in 37 league appearances.
And he has his sights set on helping to provide goals and a different threat in the box to Williams’ squad as the big Championship kick-off looms on the horizon.
“I had such a warm welcome (on Saturday), it was amazing for me. It is what every player wants and I am so thankful to the fans and I hope I can repay them on the pitch,” added Vipotnik.
“I watched the game on Saturday and saw a lot of crosses, and a lot chances inside the box. I am a striker, I like to be in the box and to be a danger to the opponent. I hope this is what I can bring.
“The pre-season is finished, the real job starts now. We will see what happens on Saturday, but I hope I hope I can help the team. I am ready.”