Roma and Sevilla could go head-to-head for the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Joel Veltman this summer. According to Calciomercato, the Spaniards have joined the pursuit of the Dutch defender.
Jose Mourinho is on the lookout for a new defensive option. Chris Smalling and Gianluca Mancini enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 season. However, Marash Kumbulla and Roger Ibanez failed to live up to expectations.
Roma finished sixth in Serie A last season, conceding 43 goals. Indeed, five sides let in fewer goals than the Giallorossi this past campaign. Though it highlights Mourinho’s impressive work at the Stadio Olimpico, the Portuguese boss always seeks perfection.
Since Mourinho prefers a three-man backline, adding another reliable centre-back option remains a priority. Veltman has emerged amongst the candidates to fill the role. But Sevilla could throw a spanner in the works.
After an astonishing eight years at Ajax, the Dutchman switched to Brighton in 2020. In his two seasons in the Premier League, the 30-year-old has earned high acclaim for his consistency and eye-catching performances.
Mourinho has earmarked him as one of the most suitable solutions to partner up with Smalling and Mancini. Yet, Veltman has earned a household status at the Amex Stadium. As such, the Seagulls may be reluctant to let him go.
Sevilla’s involvement in the race to sign the experienced defender could be another obstacle. Los Rojiblancos are in the market for a new centre-half to replace Diego Carlos. The Brazilian left Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to link up with Aston Villa earlier in the summer.
Veltman’s contract at Brighton runs until the summer of 2023. That puts the Premier League side in an awkward situation. They can either cash in on their in-demand star now or accept the risk of losing him on a free transfer in 12 months.
Roma could take advantage of Veltman’s contractual status. But this transfer race is far from a foregone conclusion.