Joel Veltman may not be the glamorous arrival some West Ham United supporters expected from the club’s first summer signing, but the logic behind the move is clear.
The 34-year-old has passed a medical ahead of a free transfer to the London Stadium, with only the remaining contractual details needing to be completed.
For a West Ham squad that has lost experience throughout the summer, Joel Veltman to West Ham could provide Nuno Espírito Santo with something he currently needs almost as much as another expensive signing.
Joel Veltman gives West Ham proven experience
West Ham are not signing Veltman based on potential.
They are signing a defender who has already played 165 Premier League matches and spent six seasons operating at the level West Ham ultimately want to return to.
Brighton confirmed Veltman left the Amex after making 191 appearances in all competitions. Chairman Tony Bloom described him as an important figure both on and off the pitch during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
That experience has particular value in the Championship.
Nuno has watched Freddie Potts leave for Club Brugge this week, while further established players could depart before the transfer window closes. West Ham’s rebuild cannot consist entirely of younger players being asked to handle the pressure of an immediate promotion challenge.
Veltman gives the dressing room another senior voice.
Versatility makes free transfer particularly useful
The Dutchman can also cover two areas where Nuno needs depth.
Veltman has spent considerable periods of his career at right-back but is equally comfortable operating centrally. That gives West Ham cover for Kyle Walker-Peters while strengthening a centre-back group which could still change dramatically.
Jean-Clair Todibo continues to attract Serie A interest, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future has also been uncertain during the summer.
A versatile defender therefore reduces the need to sign separate players for every possible departure.
Veltman’s age means West Ham cannot expect him to start 46 Championship matches. They should not need him to.
A short-term deal allows Nuno to use an experienced defender when required without committing significant transfer money or a long contract.
There will be bigger West Ham signings this summer if the rebuild progresses as planned.
Veltman could still prove one of the more sensible ones.
