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West Ham would be wise to reignite interest in signing this versatile Dutchman to reinforce their backline

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Why West Ham should reignite their interest in Joel Veltman in January

Back in July, a report from the Daily Mail claimed that West Ham were interested in signing Dutch international defender Joel Veltman from Ajax in the summer transfer window. 

However, a move to East London failed to materialize for the 27-year-old because Ajax weren’t ready to let him leave after losing several of their key players this summer, despite Veltman making his intentions of playing abroad very clear. (h/t Dutch outlet NOS cited by Football London)

The versatile Dutchman, who is capable of playing at both right-back and centre-back, has been at his boyhood club for his entire career thus far, registering a total of 10 goals and 15 assists in 225 appearances across all competitions. 

Veltman endured an injury-stricken campaign the last term but he returned to fitness towards the latter stages and played a key role in the club’s march to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, while also being involved in their Eredivisie triumph. 

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Meanwhile, West Ham have made an encouraging start to their Premier League campaign after a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Man City on opening day.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side currently find themselves 8th in the standings after five games, with victories over Watford and Norwich City sandwiched by draws against Brighton and Aston Villa

The Hammers have plenty of positives to take from how things have panned out for them in the opening stages of the season, with Sebastien Haller’s instant impact in the Premier League arguably one of the key talking points.

However, it has been quite apparent from their performances that they still have some issues to sort out at the back. 

The centre-back pairing of Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna has done a fair job but the Hammers need to be aware of the fact that the latter is already 31 and they would need to bring in a younger replacement in the near future. 

Furthermore, West Ham need more quality in both their full-back departments, with left-backs Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku already letting the team down on a number of occasions, while Ryan Fredericks has only been an average performer down the right.

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And, with Pablo Zabaleta set to depart at the end of the season, the Hammers need to turn their attention to fresh faces in the market. 

With that in mind, it would make perfect sense for West Ham to go back in the market for Joel Veltman in January and the Dutchman’s versatility to play in multiple roles across the backline could offer Pellegrini valuable cover in more than one area of the pitch. 

The 20-cap Dutch international has got loads of experience at the highest level and while cutting the mustard in the Eredivisie and the Premier League are two completely different things, one would back Veltman to adapt pretty seamlessly to English football, given his well-rounded attributes as a defender. 

As well as that, the Dutchman is expected to come well within West Ham’s budget and the Hammers surely won’t mind paying an affordable fee for a proven top-class defender who is very much in his prime at the ripe age of 27.  

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A seasoned campaigner in the Eredivisie, as well as in Europe, Veltman certainly has the CV to be a quality addition to West Ham’s backline and reigniting interest in the 27-year-old could hand a massive boost to the club in their pursuit of European football next term. 

Tottenham Dragon

Martin Ho Hails Olivia Holdt Contract Extension as Statement for Tottenham as Boss Believes ‘This’ About the Danish Winger

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Martin Ho praises Olivia Holdt's contract extension, viewing it as a bold statement for Tottenham.

Martin Ho expressed his delight after Olivia Holdt committed her long term future with Tottenham on Wednesday afternoon. The Denmark international has enjoyed a stellar season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in all competitions as Spurs look to solidify their spot in the top five.

Ho believes that Holdt penning a new deal is a statement for the club and feels she can elevate the team even further, which is absolutely brilliant news for Tottenham supporters.

Personality On and Off Pitch Infectious

Ho was full of praise for his winger when speaking about the contract extension. “I’m absolutely delighted that Olivia has committed her future to Spurs, for us as a team, for how we want to play and the way we want the team to look,” the Tottenham boss said.

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He continued, “Her personality on and off the pitch is infectious, and I feel she has even more levels in her. We just need to give her the environment and the coaching to enable herself to see that,” which demonstrates Ho’s commitment to player development.

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Needed to Get Her Physically Competing

Ho and his coaching staff have worked specifically to get the very best out of Holdt this campaign. “We just needed to get Olivia in a position where she could physically compete, and she could push. She then realises her full potential and what she’s actually capable of doing,” he explained, which is frankly excellent coaching.

Finding Consistent Level Key Priority

Ho wants Holdt to maintain high standards week in and week out. “She’s contributed to a large part of the performances, but I think for her it’s finding a consistent level, to be one of the leaders in the group. It’s my job to make sure that we continue to help her evolve,” he said, which shows his ambition for both player and club.

Also read: Khadija Shaw Scores Record Breaking Hattrick in ‘This’ Time as Manchester City Thrash Tottenham 5-2



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Chelsea Dragon

Millie Bright Aims for Summer Move to ‘This’ Team as Chelsea Captain Targets Return North

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Chelsea captain Millie Bright eyes a summer transfer to Manchester United Women as her contract nears its end.

Millie Bright wants to return north when her contract at Chelsea expires this summer. The England defender has set her sights on a switch to Manchester United Women as her preferred destination, according to reports, which is a major development in the WSL transfer market.

The 32 year old has decided to base herself closer to her hometown of Killamarsh in Derbyshire during the autumn of her career. Bright has tried to engineer a move to the Leigh Sports Village, where United Women are based, which would represent a significant coup for Marc Skinner’s side.

Decade Long Stay Set to End

Although the agreement Bright signed with Chelsea last summer contains an option for another 12 months, her time in the capital is set to come to an end. The Londoners are unlikely to trigger that clause once the present campaign concludes. This is frankly surprising given her experience and leadership qualities.

Sam Kerr is set to be another high profile departure as Sonia Bompastor looks to overhaul the Blues’ squad following a surprisingly underwhelming year at Kingsmeadow. Chelsea face a major rebuild this summer with two of their most established stars heading for the exit.

Remarkable 20 Major Honours With Chelsea

Bright is one of the best known and most successful players in the female game, having appeared 88 times for England. She is also the proud owner of three Great Britain caps, which demonstrates her international pedigree at the highest level.

A member of the Lionesses’ side, which won the UEFA Championships in 2022, was also awarded a runners up medal in the World Cup 12 months later. On the domestic stage, Bright has collected a remarkable 20 major honours with Chelsea. This includes eight WSL titles and six FA Cups.

Skinner Knows Her Vast Experience Would Help

Marc Skinner knows that acquiring a performer of Bright’s vast experience would help his team establish themselves as a genuine force in the female game. However, despite her desire to join the Red Devils, it remains to be seen if they will open talks with Bright’s representatives over the coming weeks. This could prove crucial to getting the deal done.

Also read: Sonia Bompastor Faces Selection Headache as Chelsea Train With Just Eight Senior Outfield Players Ahead of Arsenal Champions League Quarter Final at Emirates Stadium

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Tottenham

Olivia Holdt Signs New Long Term Contract With Tottenham Hotspur as Danish Winger Commits Future to Spurs After Impressive Debut Season

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Olivia Holdt signs a long-term contract with Tottenham Hotspur, securing her future at the club after an impressive debut season.

Olivia Holdt has signed a new long term contract with Tottenham Hotspur. The 24 year old Danish international midfielder has committed her future to the club following an impressive debut season in North London, which is absolutely brilliant news for Martin Ho.

Holdt joined Spurs from Swedish club FC Rosengård in the January 2025 transfer window. The winger has made 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals. This demonstrates her immediate impact at the higher end of the Women’s Super League table.

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Very Happy to Be Staying

Holdt spoke about her contract extension, expressing delight at remaining with the club. “I’m very, very happy to be staying at the club. I feel very content every day, and I’m just excited for the future,” the Danish international said.

She continued: “I feel like I’m in a really good place in my career. I’m in a good environment where I can develop every day in training with amazing staff and teammates that help to push me,” which is frankly the kind of positive atmosphere every player needs to thrive.

Helped Spurs Challenge Higher Up Table

Holdt has been instrumental in Tottenham’s strong campaign under new boss Martin Ho. The club have challenged at the higher end of the WSL table this season, with the Danish winger providing goals and creativity from wide areas.

Spurs moved quickly to secure her services for the longer term, recognizing there is much more to come from the 24 year old. Her performances have made her one of the standout signings from the January 2025 window.

North London Derby Next Up

Tottenham are next in action on Saturday evening when they contest a North London derby with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. Holdt will be hoping to continue her excellent goalscoring form against the Gunners in what promises to be a massive fixture for both sides.

The timing of the contract announcement sends a positive message ahead of the crucial derby clash. Spurs sit fifth in the table and need points to maintain their push for European qualification. Holdt’s 12 goals this season make her one of Tottenham’s most dangerous attacking threats. This gives Arsenal plenty to worry about on Saturday evening.

Also read: Former Arsenal Midfielder Linked With Move Back to WSL Less Than A Year After Juventus Switch

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