Leeds United are interested in a deal to sign Sunderland defender Trai Hume this summer so we spoke to Black Cats expert Molly Burke about a possible move for the Northern Ireland star.
Leeds are in need of a right-back this summer with Luke Ayling leaving the club permanently, and Connor Roberts departing Elland Road after a loan spell, and the Wales star could now play against The Whites.
Sam Byram has penned a one-year extension at Elland Road but Jamie Shackleton could also depart with his deal still due to expire at the end of the month. Archie Gray is still seen as a midfielder, at right-back.
To solve the lack of right-back options, Leeds are being linked with a move for Sunderland’s Hume after the Northern Ireland star sparkled during the 2023-24 season, starting every single Championship game.
To get the lowdown on Hume, we spoke to Sunderland AFC News’ writer Molly Burke about him. What kind of player he is, would he be a good signing at Elland Road and how much he might set Leeds back.
Sunderland expert says Hume would be a good signing for Leeds
Burke explains that Hume is already of the level that would see him good enough for a lower-end Premier League side with Bournemouth and Leicester among the clubs rivalling Leeds, along with Aston Villa.
“Trai Hume has bags of confidence and doesn’t seem to feel the pressure. He’s an exceptional tackler and likes to let the opposition know he is there. He’s very talented and would do a job in the Premier League.
“But he does seem to be happy here. I would be surprised if he left in the next few months. He is ready to play for a team at the lower end of the Premier League – like Bournemouth or Leicester, who are linked.”
With Napoli also linked among the clubs interested in Hume, Burke does not believe he is of Champions League quality just yet but does think Hume will end up in the Premier League in the near future.
“I don’t think he’s quite ready for the Champions League, but that’s not to say he won’t be in the future. He only just turned 22, so there is no denying he will end up in the Premier League in the near future.”
Would Hume be a good Leeds signing, how much would he cost?
Leeds need to make a profit this summer and selling the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto will give The Whites room to move. Reports claim Sunderland rate the defender in the region of £8m.
Is he worth that kind of figure and would he be a good signing for Leeds in the coming months? Burke believes he would improve the Yorkshire side, and a fee between £6m and £10m would be acceptable.
“He is more than capable at impressing for Leeds. Hume was key to our push for promotion and he really deserves to be playing for a team at the top end of the Championship, but I hope it is with Sunderland.
“Leeds clearly have really passionate fans who just want their players to get stuck in and put the effort in, and Hume is the kind of player that will get the crowd going with his crunching tackles and commitment.
“Sunderland only paid around £200k, but they will definitely demand seven figures. I would expect them to ask for anywhere between £6m and £10m. Sunderland won’t want to sell, so it would take a lot.”