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Joel Veltman’s future at Brighton & Hove Albion is up in the air as he considers his next step.
The Dutch defender, who turned 34 last week, is out of contract in the summer.
“I am quite open,” Veltman told The Athletic after his 178th appearance for the club in Monday’s 1-1 home draw against Bournemouth. “I have changed agents, the club knows that. So, I think the club wanted me to sort that out first and then we will have a conversation.
“It happened last week, so maybe between now and a month’s time we will have more (talks). If not then I will keep my options open.”
Veltman joined Brighton in the summer of 2020, Brighton activating a clause in his contract with boyhood club Ajax to sign for £900,000. The former Dutch international has been a model of consistency at right-back, featuring regularly during his time at the club under Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi and current head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
“I am happy here,” Veltman said. “They know what I am still capable of as well. My kids go to English school. They speak better English than Dutch, so they are all good things, but like I said I’ll keep my options open for now.”
Brighton are 12th in the table, five points behind Manchester United in fifth, after a spectacular bicycle kick equaliser by Charalampos Kostoulas against Bournemouth rescued a fifth draw in the last eight league games.
The Greek teenager’s strike was the ninth goal Brighton have scored via a substitute in the league this season, more than any other side. Hurzeler’s team visit 11th-placed Fulham next on Saturday.