West Ham United have strengthened their squad with the signing of experienced defender Joel Veltman, who joins the club as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Brighton offered the Dutch defender a new contract during the summer, but Veltman chose to seek a fresh challenge after bringing an end to his six-year spell with the Seagulls.

The 34-year-old made 165 Premier League appearances during his time on the south coast, establishing himself as a dependable and versatile defender. His experience is expected to provide a significant boost as West Ham prepare for their Championship campaign with ambitions of securing an immediate return to the Premier League.

To maintain his fitness after leaving Brighton, Veltman trained with Jong Ajax in recent weeks. However, the Dutch club ultimately decided not to offer the former Ajax captain a contract.

The 28-cap Netherlands international has now completed his move to West Ham, signing his contract this week and expressing his excitement about beginning the next chapter of his career with the Hammers.

Speaking after completing his move, Veltman expressed his enthusiasm about joining West Ham and said he is eager to begin work under Nuno Espírito Santo.

“I’m delighted to have signed, and I can’t wait to get started. The project here really excites me.

“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.”

According to reports, the experienced defender also attracted interest from French club RC Strasbourg and Brazilian side Botafogo. However, he opted to remain in England after being convinced by West Ham’s plans for the future.

Veltman believes his experience and leadership qualities will be valuable to the squad as they target promotion back to the Premier League.

“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.”

Following the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes, manager Nuno Espírito Santo continues to reshape his squad as West Ham aim to mount a strong Championship campaign and secure an immediate return to the Premier League.