Trai Hume has laid out his career ambitions as he continues to be linked with a move away from Sunderland.
Trai Hume joined Sunderland from Linfield in January 2022 and managed only eight appearances in his first eleven months at the club.
However, he was brought into the starting line-up almost a year after his arrival and never looked back.
Hume was a standout player this season, making 45 starts and made the most successful tackles in the Championship (152).
The defender’s brilliant form has unsurprisingly caught the eye of several clubs, with Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Napoli all credited with interest earlier this year.
While Hume still has three years left on his current deal, the full-back is expected to be one of multiple players who could receive bids for their services over the next few months.
With the 22-year-old’s future uncertain, he has now spoken out on his ambitions for the future.
Trai Hume wants Premier League football
While on international duty with Northern Ireland, Hume told Chronicle Live: “On a personal note I think it’s been a good season really. I’ve played mostly every game and I don’t think I’ve missed a lot of minutes. I’ve really enjoyed my football. What I planned to do at the start of the season was get in the team and keep myself in the team from the season before, so I’ve done that. I just want to keep on improving and keep on getting better.
“We’ll have a new manager coming in so I know pre-season will be bang at it a lot people will be wanting to impress. The aim for me is to play at the highest level possible which is the Premier League and obviously play international football for as long as I can and get to that major tournament.”
Sunderland are running out of time
It comes as no surprise that Trai Hume wants to play in the Premier League, as it is likely the ambition of most of the squad.
It just means that no one really has any loyalty to Sunderland, or at least not to the point where they will throw away an opportunity to join the top flight to stay on Wearside – especially someone who isn’t a boyhood fan.
Hume was one of our most important players last season and would be extremely hard to replace given his tacking ability.
Many players will likely feel the same, but if we manage to keep hold of our prized assets this summer then next season could be the final chance to win promotion before they start to leave.