Despite a number of denials we can confirm a rumour that Zán Vipotnik is of interest to a whole host of clubs leading up to this summer. However, reports that arrangements have been made to discuss a transfer are pushing the boundaries of truth at this moment in time.

The first position we have been told is that if there is interest that hasn’t occurred as yet. Obviously dependent on the clubs interested and their location things can see Vipotnik’s value soar. That will very much depend on the club vying for his signature and as we know if two clubs become interested it’s no different to selling a house, the more interest, the higher the price. We have been told exclusively the player is valued between four and five million pounds by the Swans. The VIP as he is known at Swansea hasn’t had a remarkable season by any standards, However, since the departure of Luke Williams as head coach he has been a regular under interim, Alan Sheehan. The Swans cleverly jumped at signing Vipotnik in August last year, that was led by then Sporting Director, Paul Watson. He was available on a free transfer as his club, Girondins Bordeaux went into administration and were relegated twice. They now play in the Championnat National 2, that’s the fourth tier in French football.

We have been able to get some information on Vipotnik and his perceived value (above) plus how his deal at Swansea works. Much the same as Joe Allen, Kyle Naughton, keeper Vigouroux and Kristian Pedersen the estimates on these players salary are extremely inflated. Vipotnik signed for Swansea on a four year contract beating Schalke, Bochum and Sunderland (sources) to get their man. The crucial thing for Vipotnik was his signing on fee. It is very rare if at all that a player will be paid their signing on fee in one lump. Hens teeth etc … What Žan is receiving is £1,200,000 pounds as a signing on fee spread over the four years of his contract. That was an immediate payment of £300,000 and of course then the same amount over the next three years. His bonus agreements which we are not aware of stretched the Swans finances as a Slovenian international we are told.

Bola Sports Consulting in Slovenia employ professionals throughout Europe, a fast growing agency who recognise data as a real positive in scouting. Those in that world who know Sašo Župan, a genuine figure in sports consultancy will know Vipotnik is not being managed by fly by night agents. It’s very clear on discussions for this report that Bola see Vipotnik as a huge player, after all he is only twenty three. And have a guess what, Bournemouth could be losing a player to Real Madrid !

Something to be aware of, especially after the last transfer window is that in summer, 2024 despite Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien, then Swans outgoing majority owners, sanctioned a good five million pounds of spending before they left. And that was whilst negotiating their leaving last summer. Figures which under the new investment group haven't been matched, however that gives an immediate insight into the profit and sustainability issue. That covers wages, indirect payments, transfer fees both in and out and commercial revenue (as a basic explanation) make up the P&S criteria. Outgoing Chairman, Andrew Coleman will take the plaudits for commercial revenue increases come the next financial figures ending July 2024. It’s already known he has managed that side of the clubs income fairly well. How it impacts overall is another question yet unanswered.

We understand there are plans to invest in bricks and mortar after the summer, but the investment group want to see a more professionally managed operation with new CEO, Tom Gorridge leading the way for now. We understand that a decision on more top heavy appointments such as a Chairman are still under discussion. What we do know though is over the next week or so there could be some more additions to the staffing at the club with numerous positions yet unfilled.

There will be interest in Zân Vipotnik this summer, but we are aware that no firm contact has been made nor communication to enter into any transfer, money talk or to even set up such discussions. Plus, the rumour of Saudi Arabia is totally unfounded. The Swans can sit on this as the player can’t go anywhere realistically until the summer dealings start. That will give the likes of Sporting Director, Richard Montague and the new CEO time to further research and agree upon what we are being told is a very exciting future at the club. Yes, there have been many false starts, and you get the feeling there is some possibility that the club can be revived by the new characters coming into the club and also those already there.

We shall see.

Photographs: župan, Swansea City AFC & Swansea Independent

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