SEG GUIDES JOËL VELTMAN'S TRANSFER TO WEST HAM UNITED

Joël has played more than 450 games at the highest level for Ajax and Brighton & Hove Albion, including over 50 in European competition and 165 in the Premier League. He wore the captain's armband at both clubs. He has three Eredivisie titles to his name, reached the UEFA Europa League final with Ajax and enjoyed six successful seasons on the south coast with Brighton.

Joël attracted interest from leading clubs in Brazil, France, Germany and the Netherlands, but opted for West Ham United, who were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season but are determined to return to the Premier League as quickly as possible.

"I'm delighted to have signed, and I can't wait to get started," said Joël, who joins on a one-year contract with the option of a second year. "The project here really excites me. We know that West Ham need to be in the Premier League, and that is our goal for the season. I think I bring my experience, my winning mentality and togetherness."

SEG agent Peter de Waal commented: “West Ham is a big club with a fantastic stadium that has been relegated against all expectations. They belong in the Premier League, no doubt about it. That was the single biggest reason for Joël to join. He's a player who never lets you down. Steady as they come, and he reads a game superbly. With his experience and that calm head of his, he can be a real mentor to the young lads in the dressing room and on the pitch.”

"Joël had six years of Premier League football at Brighton and six years living in England with his family, so staying here was an attractive option. What struck me is that nobody has a bad word to say about him as a player or as a person. Not one. I hope and trust that West Ham win promotion again quickly, that Joël plays a lot of football and becomes an important link for the team and for the club."

Pictured above from left to right: SEG agent John de Jong, SEG agent Peter de Waal, Joël Veltman and SEG general counsel Luc Houten.