West Ham have completed the free transfer signing of defender, Joel Veltman.
Veltman’s arrival at the London Stadium came after a month since he left Brighton upon expiry of his contract, having scored five goals in 191 appearances.
“I’m delighted to have signed, and I can’t wait to get started,” commented the 34-year-old who has signed an initial one-year contract with the Hammers who were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season.
He proceeded to speak of his excitement at the club’s ambitions to push for an instant Premier League return under manager, Nuno Espirito Santo.
“The project here really excites me. I spoke to Nuno, as well as my family and my agent, and everything added up. 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 teammates and using my experience to help the squad.
“I’m just so excited to give everything, to meet my new teammates and to see all the supporters too.”
West Ham’s Director of Player Recruitment, Nils Koppen added that Veltman brings “… high standards, leadership qualities, strong communication skills, versatility on the pitch and great experience on both domestic and international levels,” to boost the team defensively with his knowledge of the game.
“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.”
Veltman previously began his career at Ajax where he scored 10 goals in 246 appearances and achieved six titles, comprised of three Eredivisie titles, two Johan Cruyff Shield and one KNVB Cup.
At international level, Veltman scored twice in 28 senior caps for Netherlands with both goals having been scored in a 5-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast in June 2017, and he was part of the squad which finished third at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
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