West Ham have confirmed the signing of defender Joel Veltman on a free transfer.
The 34-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the club, with the option for a further year.
“I’m delighted to have signed, and I can’t wait to get started,” Veltman said.
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“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.
“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.”
Veltman most recently played for Brighton & Hove Albion, making 165 appearances in the Premier League.
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The Dutch defender becomes just the second summer signing for the club following the addition of youngster Keiber Lamadrid.
But the Hammers are set to ramp up their efforts to bring in more new additions to bolster Nuno Espirito’s squad.
Midfield is a key area of focus, following the departure of Mateus Fernandes earlier this summer, while Freddie Potts has also departed to join Club Brugge. Rangers’ Connor Barron and Celtic’s Arne Engels are among the Hammers’ list of targets.
Espirito Santo is also targeting more attacking reinforcements, with the club holding interest in striker Troy Parrott, and wingers Simon Adingra and Manor Solomon.
