West Ham confirm signing of former Brighton defender Joel Veltman

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/veltman-joel/hIP2ytZb/"]Veltman[/a] was offered a new deal by the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/brighton/2XrRecc3/"]Seagulls[/a] this summer but opted to move on as he departed the side as a free agent. [/p][p]The 34-year-old played 165 Premier League matches and spent six seasons with Brighton where he showed qualities that the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/west-ham/Cxq57r8g/"]Hammers[/a] are keen to add to their promotion pushing side ahead of the new season. [/p][p]Veltman had been training with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/jong-ajax/GncWwxTm/"]Jong Ajax[/a] in recent weeks to keep sharp, but [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/ajax/8UOvIwnb/"]Ajax[/a] decided not to sign him.[/p][p]The 28-time Dutch international has now put pen to paper with West Ham this week as he revealed how happy he is to join the now-Championship side. [/p][embed guid="e0ccaf75-0fa8-40c7-b2c2-5a8fb6a21e05" url="https://x.com/WestHam/status/2085312426673906132?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]“I’m delighted to have signed, and I can’t wait to get started. The project here really excites me," [/b]Veltman said.[/p][p][b]“I spoke to Nuno (Espírito Santo), 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."[/b][/p][p]Reports state Veltman also received offers from French side RC Strasbourg and Brazilian club Botafogo, but it was West Ham who tempted him to stay in England and fight in the Championship.[/p][p][b]“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.  [/b][b]I’m just so excited to give everything, to meet my new teammates and to see all the supporters too.” [/b][/p][p]Following the departures of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/summerville-crysencio/EaRET7t6/"]Crysencio Summerville[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/fernandes-mateus/rFdshPHI/"]Mateus Fernandes[/a], West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo continues to rebuild a West Ham side who are tipped to shoot back up to the English top flight next season.[/p][h2][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/transfer-news-live-tracker-updates/8QqUWm3n/"]Follow the latest transfer news LIVE via Flashscore[/a][/h2]