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Luke Williams says Swansea City are “excited” about Zan Vipotnik as the striker prepares to make his English football debut away to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Slovenia international Vipotnik joined Swansea on a free transfer last week after his former club Bordeaux collapsed.
The 22-year-old is unlikely to start at Riverside as he only started training with his new club this week.
But head coach Williams says the former Maribor striker has made a positive impression.
“He’s probably not at the same level [fitness] “They are on the same level as the rest of the team, which is understandable,” he said.
“We have to respect that it’s going to take him a little bit of time to get up to speed, but we really like what we’ve seen from him and we’re really excited about him.
“He has been training at full speed for the past few days to improve his physical condition, which has probably been a shock to his body. He will succeed.”
As things stand, Vipotnik will be competing with Liam Cullen for the number nine shirt at Swansea, although the club are still looking for attacking reinforcements.
If no other centre-forward arrives this month, it is possible that Brazilian winger Ronald could be deployed in a more central role when needed.
Cullen, 25, is expected to lead the attack as Swansea look to start the 2024-25 season with an away win at the Riverside.
Williams says the Wales international’s “high-level mentality” means he is ready to challenge Vipotnik for a place in their team.
“I think Liam Cullen still has a lot to offer – his personality means he will never stop,” he added.
“He keeps pushing all the time and he has adopted Vipi (Vipotnik) since he has been here, which is what we expected. That’s what we want: healthy competition between adults, not sulking.”
