swansea city Coach Vitor Matos has admitted he needs to face the reality that star striker Zhan Vipotnik could be sold this summer.
The Swansea boss speaks about the club and their star man in an interview Today with A Bola.
old striker vipotnik
Xan Vipotnik joins the Welsh team on a free transfer in 2024 after leaving Bordeaux in France. But this season has been a breakout season for him.
21 goals in 42 games in the league, as well as two goals in four appearances in the EFL Cup, made his second season in the Championship a memorable one.
He is the current top goalscorer in the division and has the best minutes per goal ratio among the top ten scorers. His 25% goal conversion rate is also the second best.
Swansea City sale could be a possibility
Such an impressive record would not have gone unnoticed by the bigger clubs. And while Vitor Matos would prefer not to sell, he knows there is a financial reality in such cases.
"I have nothing but praise for him. It's great to see him score and to see him score goals in so many different ways. I'm really happy." He said.
“Now, obviously, we work within a reality where selling players is always an important factor. You always have to be prepared for the possibility that offers may come that the club considers worth accepting.
"However, if you ask me whether he is the kind of player for whom it would be fair to demand a substantial fee, I have no doubt. It is clear for everyone to see that he is a player with high market value and immense collective importance to the team.
"As a coach, he is probably the kind of player I would least like to lose during the transfer window. However, we must always be mindful of the financial realities and the wider project of the club, to ensure our long-term financial sustainability."
Focus on improvement for now
For now, the focus is on Zhan Vipotnik's incredible improvement so far. Few would have expected such a comeback from the striker who arrived at Swansea City as a complete unknown in the summer of 2024.
Even fewer would have predicted that he would reach such heights this season, as he could only achieve seven out of 42 last season. He has now tripled that number, in one game less.
However, Vitor Matos knows how hard the striker has worked to get here.
"His finishing has incredible ease and spontaneity," He added.
"It's very difficult to get that kind of shooting power. Whether from outside the box or inside it, with his left foot, with his head, or with his right foot. He really is the complete centre-forward.
“He has also come a long way in terms of contributing to the defensive side of the team, without losing his instincts.
“In other words, he managed to develop his game, become more effective in his pressing, showed greater tactical control, and often led the team in terms of pressing, demonstrating our collective ability to try and dominate even when out of possession.
"He has made great progress in this regard, without sacrificing his natural spontaneity or his spark at key moments. This development was vital for him to retain his place and to reach the high level at which he is currently."
