Swansea City are flying at the top of the Championship, but last season's top scorer Zan Vipotnik has yet to get off the mark. The Swans lead the table with 11 points from five unbeaten games, yet the Slovenian striker's search for his first goal of the season continues.
Vipotnik has not scored in his six appearances so far this season. The 24-year-old, who won the Championship golden boot with 23 goals last term, has been limited to just one league start in the 2026-27 campaign. Manager Vitor Matos has consistently preferred Adam Idah, a £6m signing from Celtic, who has scored twice since returning from injury.
Vipotnik's latest opportunity came late in Saturday's goalless Welsh derby with Wrexham. Coming off the bench, he looked lively but could not steer his shot past goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. Matos, however, remains calm about the situation. "I think if someone knows how to score goals it's him, so I think it's just a matter of scoring," the Portuguese coach told reporters this week.
The striker's slow start has coincided with persistent speculation about his future at the Swansea.com Stadium. BBC Sport notes that Hull City saw a £10m bid for Vipotnik turned down during the transfer window. Manager Matos claimed he was not aware of any deadline-day interest from Burnley, but conceded that with windows still open elsewhere, a departure cannot be completely ruled out.
There was a belief the club might look to cash in on a player who significantly outperformed his expected goals (xG) last season. The summer signing of Ross Stewart from Southampton added to the competition for places. For now, Vipotnik remains a Swansea player, tasked with fighting for his place in a squad sitting pretty at the summit of the standings.
Remarkably, Swansea's attack has not suffered from Vipotnik's drought. The team has scored seven goals while conceding just once, giving them a +6 goal difference and a one-point lead over second-placed Middlesbrough. Their recent form reads DWWDW, with three wins and two draws from their opening five fixtures.
This solid foundation has been built despite the absence of key defenders Cameron Burgess and Gonçalo Franco, who are currently sidelined. The squad depth will be tested ahead of their next Championship fixture, a home match against Burnley on September 12. Burnley currently sit 24th in the table, presenting an opportunity for the league leaders to extend their advantage. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our dedicated fixtures page.
The competition for the striker role is fierce. Adam Idah's form has made him the first choice, while the presence of Ross Stewart provides another experienced option. Vipotnik's challenge is to rediscover the form that made him the division's most prolific marksman just a few months ago.
His record last season, where he scored five goals in the first six games, shows what he is capable of. Manager Matos's public backing suggests the player still has a role to play. The task for Vipotnik is to take his chances when they come, whether from the start or as an impact substitute, to help maintain Swansea's push at the top. The full roster of attacking options is available to view on the club's squad list. Swansea City host Burnley at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
