West Ham United’s pursuit of so-called ‘proven Championship talent’ could potentially spark a multi-player raid of second-tier Swansea City.
Because Zan Vipotnik, Swansea’s free-scoring Slovenian, does not appear to be the only object of claret and blue affections earning a living in South Wales right now.
Before being offered the director of football role at Swedish outfit Djurgardens IF, former head of recruitment Max Hahn recommended Vipotnik to West Ham.
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This is certainly an idea the Hammers fans like; The Championship’s top scorer arriving to fire West Ham United back into the Premier League at the first time of asking is indeed a tantalising prospect.
But if Vipotnik is the dead-eyed gunslinger, Ethan Galbraith may be the man who supplies the ammunition.
According to Football League World, stylish central midfielder Galbraith is on the Hammers’ radar too, just one year after making the step up from League One Leyton Orient.
Now, South Welsh source Swansea Independent have come forth to provide their own take on the respective futures of both Vipotnik and Galbraith.
West Ham United like Swansea City duo Zan Vipotnik and Ethan Galbraith
Swansea Independent were right at the front of the queue when reporting on Galbraith’s £1.6 million move to Wales’ second city. Now, 12 months on, they are claiming that Galbraith is ‘unsettled’ after just one year with the Swans.
They do not mention West Ham, but they do say that the Manchester United academy graduate is ‘aware of the riches he could earn at a number of Championship and Premier League clubs’. West Ham would be able to offer a bigger contract and greater ambitions.
Galbraith is also reported to have rejected the offer of a new deal. His current contract is understood to have a release clause, albeit the numbers involved have not yet been reported.
Swansea Independent add that Vipotnik has a similarly mysterious release clause in his own contract, albeit a ‘high’ one. Some have indicated he will cost around £25 million.
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Vipotnik might not look to force his way out of South Wales
On a more positive note, at least from a Swansea perspective, it is reported that, despite Vitor Matos’ side never really challenging for the play-offs last term, Vipotnik is in no rush to force a move.
Swansea would prefer not to sell to ‘a rival’. It remains to be seen if West Ham can be considered as such, though. Yes, they will be sharing a division next season, but both clubs are likely to spend 2026/27 in different areas of the table.
Vipotnik racked up 23 goals in 35 Championship starts last term. Galbraith scored three times himself. The Northern Ireland international is one of the best ball-players in the division while his versatility is likely to appeal to Nuno Espirito Santo.
He ended 2025/26 playing nearly as many games at right-back as he did in central midfield.
Various reports claim that West Ham are big fans of Sheffield United’s Sydie Peck and Harrison Burrows as well. And speaking of Leyton Orient, whom Galbraith helped reach the League One play-off final a year ago, League One’s Player of the Year Dom Ballard has caught the eye.
Wales international Dylan Lawlor is on the radar too following a superb breakout campaign at Swansea’s near neighbours Cardiff City.
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