**West Ham have finally made their first signing of the summer, securing Brighton’s Joël Veltman on a free transfer.**
The Irons’ first summer signing may not be as exciting as the potential moves for Arne Engels or Troy Parrott, but he is a very sensible bit of business.
The Dutch defender joins the Irons following six seasons on the south coast, where he played almost 200 games for the Seagulls in all competitions. He scored five times for Brighton, with three of those goals coming against West Ham, because of course they did.
Veltman, who has 27 caps for the Netherlands, can play at right-back or centre-back and will likely replace either or both of Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who are both expected to leave West Ham this summer.
At 34, Veltman may not be the most exciting signing for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, but he is a very solid acquisition. He brings a wealth of Premier League and European experience and will provide good character in the dressing room.
Despite his age, Brighton fans seem genuinely disappointed that the Dutchman has left. He has been praised by supporters for his leadership, work ethic and his tendency to indulge in the dark arts from time to time.
Veltman was infamously involved in Declan Rice’s controversial red card in 2024, when Brighton faced Rice’s Arsenal. After Rice fouled Veltman in Brighton’s defensive third, the former Hammers skipper knocked the ball away from the Dutchman as he was about to take the free kick.
Veltman connected with Rice, who went down in pain before being shown a second yellow for kicking the ball away from the Brighton man. Despite West Ham’s continued fondness of Rice, this moment should instantly endear Veltman to the Irons faithful.
The 34-year-old should be available for the Hammers’ Carabao Cup tie against Portsmouth this weekend. Whether he features or not is another question, but he trained with his new teammates today, which suggests he will at least be in the squad.
It took a long time, but West Ham have finally signed a player – and a pretty decent one at that. NOW SIGN SOME MORE PLEASE!