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The 34-year-old has signed a one-year contract at the London Stadium, with an option of a further year, and arrives in east London having made 191 appearances in a successful six-year spell with the Seagulls. Veltman becomes West Ham’s second summer signing after Keiber Lamadrid’s loan was made permanent from Deportivo La Guaira and they are reportedly in talks to sign Troy Parrott and Arne Engels of AZ Alkmaar and Celtic respectively. The Hammers return to competitive action this weekend after an unbeaten pre-season as they host fellow Sky Bet Championship side Portsmouth in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Flourishing in the top-flight after departure from Ajax Veltman was a product of Ajax’s prestigious academy and made his debut at the start of the 2011/12 season. This marked the beginning of a distinguished spell at the Johan Cruijff Arena, making 246 appearances, clinching three Eredivisie titles and being named captain in 2017. He was also at the heart of their continental success, having been part of the side who were defeated by Manchester United in the 2017 UEFA Europa League final and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League two years later. A three-time Eredivisie Team of the Season inclusion, he established himself with the Netherlands national team, having played for the youth ranks, and helped them reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in Brazil. Six seasons on the south coast A move to the south coast with Brighton was a significant coup for a mere £900,000 fee ahead of the 2020/21 campaign and he took little time to adapt to his new surroundings, swiftly becoming a fan favourite. Veltman helped Brighton achieve their highest-ever Premier League finish and progress to the semi-finals of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time in 40 years in 2023. He also played an influential role in transforming them from a mid-table outfit to European contenders, culminating in them reaching the Europa League round of 16 in their maiden European campaign. Now arriving at the recently-relegated Hammers, Veltman received offers from Strasbourg and Botafogo this summer having turned down a contract extension at the Amex Stadium. West Ham are set for a busy few weeks as the transfer window comes to a close, with several new arrivals expected as they chase Championship promotion. Bringing experience in abundance Nuno Espirito Santo will likely deploy Veltman in his favoured right-back position with Aaron Wan-Bissaka rumoured to be departing, but the Dutchman can also feature at centre-back. Speaking to the club’s official media channels, the versatile defender expressed his delight at helping spearhead an immediate return to the Premier League. “I’m delighted to have signed and I can’t wait to get started,” he said. “The project here really excites me, I spoke to Nuno 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 will wear the number 32 shirt, the same number which he wore at Brighton, which is a tribute to his former Ajax teammate Abdelhak Nouri.