Football: Brighton sign Dutch international defender Veltman

LONDON (REUTERS) – Brighton & Hove Albion have bolstered their backline with the capture of Netherlands defender Joel Veltman from Ajax Amsterdam, the Premier League club confirmed on Wednesday (July 29).

The 28-year-old, who can play at either centre back or right back, has signed a three-year contract and leaves Ajax after more than 200 appearances since his debut in 2012.

“He has terrific experience from his time with Ajax, including the Champions League and, of course, with the Dutch national team,” Brighton manager Graham Potter said on the club’s website.

“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 has 22 caps for the Netherlands, the last in November against Northern Ireland when he helped them qualify for the Euro 2020 finals.

The defender is the second signing announced by the club this week after the arrival of former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana as a free agent.