Veltman spent six years at Brighton Steve Bardens via Getty ImagesAug. 6, 2026 Updated 7:46 am EDTWest Ham United have completed the signing of former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Joel Veltman.The 34-year-old versatile defender, who can play at right-back or centre-back, departed the south-coast club this summer after six years.The Dutchman has signed a one-year deal with West Ham and contains an option of a 12-month extension.“I’m delighted to have signed, and I can’t wait to get started,” Veltman told West Ham club media.“The project here really excites me. I spoke to Nuno [Espirito Santo, West Ham’s head coach], 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.
On the dotted line ✍️@CorpayFX pic.twitter.com/Vnd0CKYlf2
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 6, 2026“I think I bring my experience, my winning mentality and togetherness. I bring leadership. I’ve been the captain at Ajax, and I enjoy 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.”Veltman joined Brighton in 2020 and made 191 appearances for the club.The defender has been capped 28 times by the Netherlands, and helped the national team reach the semi-final stage of the World Cup in 2014. He was also part of their Euro Championship squad in 2021.West Ham face Portsmouth in the first round of the EFL Cup on Saturday, before beginning their Championship campaign against Burnley on August 16.
