Nuno Turns To Veltman

The summer transfer window opened for business on 15 June but finally with only twenty six more days left before it slams shut again, West Ham United have got themselves a major signing.

Although it’s probably not the name that the ever-loyal fan base were expecting, defender Joël Veltman has come through the arrivals door in Stratford and agreed an initial one-year deal with an option of a further twelve months.

Nuno Espírito Santo personally identified the 34-year-old Dutchman as a player that could be key to helping the team in their quest for an immediate return to the Premier League.

The team looked solid in defence throughout a short pre-season programme, but the Hammers’ Head-Coach obviously felt he would need reinforcements at the back and delved into the free-agent market to assess the options available.

The lure of UEFA Champions League football in the new campaign meant that Freddie Potts made a permanent move to Club Brugge KV just two days ago so news of any players coming in is positive ahead of the Carabao Cup Southern Section first-round tie at home to fellow Sky Bet Championship outfit Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon.

Veltman will be presented to his new supporters prior to that match but, he may not feature until the season opener against Burnley at Turf Moor eight days later.

The Stratford faithful will certainly hope that there are now more arrivals than exits. Either way, when an announcement is made, details will appear here.