Brighton have confirmed their second signing of the summer with the capture of Joel Veltman from Ajax on a three-year deal.
The versatile Dutchman has spent his whole career with the Amsterdam outfit, racking up close to 250 appearances – 30 of those coming the most recent campaign.
Veltman joins on an undisclosed fee and is the Seagulls’ second addition since the transfer window opened on 27 July, after the signing of Adam Lallana from Liverpool.
Speaking on the club’s official website, Graham Potter expressed his delight at the acquisition: “We’re delighted to welcome Joel to the club. He has terrific experience from his time with Ajax including the Champions League and, of course, with the Dutch national team.
“He’s an excellent defender who can play at right-back and at centre half, but he’s also comfortable in possession. He is really looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Premier League and we’re delighted he is now a Brighton player and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Veltman – who has 22 caps for the Netherlands – joining the Premier League outfit could spell the end of Shane Duffy’s time with the club. The experienced defender has struggled for minutes this season and is likely to be moved on, with the return of Ben White from his season-long loan at Leeds also playing a factor – although, there are rumours of Marcelo Bielsa’s side lodging an official bid.
During the 2019/20 season, Potter successfully navigated his side away from the relegation zone during his first season at the helm, as the club finished in 15th place, six points clear of the drop. It is hoped that Veltman could help address their defensive record, having shipped 54 goals throughout the campaign.