Veltman to wear No 34 shirt as tribute to former Ajax team-mate Abdelhak Nouri, who collapsed during a friendly in 2017 and went into an induced coma
Wednesday 29 July 2020 23:09, UK
Brighton have completed the signing of defender Joel Veltman from Ajax.
The Seagulls signed Veltman by triggering a release clause in his contract, paying Ajax just over £900,000.
The 28-year-old Netherlands international, who can play in central defence or as a right-back, has joined the club on a three-year contract.
"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," Brighton head coach Graham Potter said.
"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 made his Ajax debut in 2012 and has been with the club for 19 years, having come through the club's academy system.
He has made more than 200 appearances for the Dutch giants, scoring ten goals. He has won four Eredivisie titles and played regularly in the Champions League.
He has won 22 caps for his country, the most recent in November when he helped Netherlands qualify for Euro 2021 with a goalless draw against Northern Ireland in Belfast.
Brighton completed the signing of Adam Lallana on a free transfer from Liverpool earlier this week.
Veltman revealed he will wear the No 34 shirt as a tribute to former Ajax team-mate Abdelhak Nouri, who collapsed during a friendly in 2017 and went into an induced coma, suffering permanent brain damage.
Nouri woke from the coma in March 2020 and is now being cared for by his family at home.
"Everyone knows what happened to Appie", Veltman said.
"He was a friend of everyone, we all love him and still do which is why when Ajax celebrates a goal they show the No 34.
"A lot of his old team-mates have this number and I know he would be very proud that I am going to the Premier League."
The summer transfer window will run for 10 weeks from July 27 and close at 11pm on October 5. A domestic-only window for trades between the Premier League and EFL then runs from October 5 and closes on Friday October 16 at 5pm. Follow all the news and analysis on Sky Sports News and across Sky Sports' digital platforms.
