Brighton sign Veltman from Ajax

Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of Joel Veltman from Ajax. 

The 28-year-old Netherlands defender, who can play in the centre of defence or as a right-back, has joined Brighton for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

"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 told Brighton's official website.

"He’s an excellent defender who can play at right-back and at centre-half, but he’s also comfortable in possession."

Veltman, who has 22 caps, made more than 200 appearances for Ajax after coming through the academy there, scoring 10 goals. 

He is Potter's second signing of the summer after Adam Lallana joined from Liverpool this week on a free transfer.

Veltman will wear the No 34 shirt as a tribute to Abdelhak Nouri, a former Ajax team-mate who collapsed during a friendly in 2017 and went into an induced coma.

“Everyone knows what happened to Appie," said Veltman. "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.”

See: Summer 2020 transfers