‘High Standards, Leadership Qualities’ – West Ham Director Hails New Boy | OneFootball

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West Ham United director of player recruitment Nils Koppen has shed light on the abilities veteran defender Joel Veltman brings to the London Stadium after he signed for the Hammers.

The Hammers endured a disappointing campaign, which led to relegation to the Championship, ending their 14-year stay in the Premier League.

West Ham have been staring at changes at the back, with Jean-Clair Todibo pushing to leave, while Konstantinos Mavropanos has suitors and Axel Disasi’s loan is over.

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On Thursday, the Hammers officially announced the signing of Veltman, who has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with an option for a further year.

Koppen highlighted Veltman’s ability to play multiple positions, leadership traits and strong verbal skills to lead from the back.

The director of player recruitment also believes the defender’s familiarity with English football will be a plus point for West Ham, as the club aim to gain promotion to the Premier League.

Koppen’s said on West Ham’s official site: “Joel has high standards, leadership qualities, strong communication skills, versatility on the pitch and great experience on both domestic and international levels.”

“He knows English football very well, is highly motivated and is ready to give his all as we begin our quest to win promotion back to the Premier League.”

Veltman recently featured for Brighton, but after his contract expired with the club, he became a free agent with the desire to accept a new challenge after six years with the Seagulls.

West Ham could lose a defender in the shape of Todibo with several clubs showing interest in him.

The Hammers have already lost Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur and Crysencio Summerville to Al Hilal, but gained substantial profit from both deals.

And with significant transfer funds, the club’s summer business seems far from over, and the Hammers have shown interest in Sunderland attacker Simon Adingra.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo will want to make more additions to the squad, given the pressure of gaining promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.