West Ham sign former Brighton defender Veltman

Joel Veltman made 165 Premier League appearances for Brighton [Getty Images] West Ham United have signed experienced Dutch defender Joel Veltman on a free transfer. The 34-year-old has played over 450 games across his career with Ajax and Brighton and Hove Albion, including more than 50 in European competitions and 165 in the Premier League. He won three Eredivisie titles with Ajax and also competed in the Champions League. Veltman joined Brighton in 2020 for £900,000 and helped them secure sixth spot in the Premier League in 2022-2023 and their first ever European place in the Europa League. The Dutchman, can play both in central defence and as a full-back, told the club website: "We know that West Ham need to be in the Premier League, and for sure that is our goal for the season. "I think I bring my experience, my winning mentality and togetherness. I bring leadership - I've been the captain at Ajax, and I enjoy talking to my team-mates and using my experience to help the squad." Veltman has been capped 28 times by the Netherlands, helping them reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2014, and he also played at Euro 2020. West Ham's director of player recruitment, Nils Koppen, said: "He knows English football very well, is highly motivated and is ready to give his all as we begin our quest to win promotion back to the Premier League." All done deals in August 2026 Latest West Ham news, analysis and fan views Ask about West Ham - what do you want to know?