Sunderland have now been tipped to keep one of their in demand stars beyond this summer’s transfer window.
New Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will be looking to improve on what was a fairly unsatisfactory 2023/24 Championship campaign that the Black Cats endured, particularly in the latter stages under Mike Dodds, who managed just two wins in 13, leaving Sunderland just six points off the relegation zone.
In the early days of Le Bris’ reign as Sunderland manager, he has already placed his stamp of authority on the club, looking to make significant changes to his backroom staff.
They are also looking at retaining the services of key figures in the dressing room, one of which is goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
They have also reportedly made their stance clear on a first-team defender, despite interest from Premier League clubs.
Sunderland tipped to keep Trai Hume for 2024/25 Championship season
Northern Irish international Trai Hume has sparked interest from potential Premier League suitors, however it looks likely that he will stick around at the Stadium of Light under Le Bris.
Hume has reportedly stated that he is happy at the club and that Sunderland are ‘highly unlikely’ to sell, per Sunderland Echo.
Earlier this year it was reported that interest in Hume was coming from Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Napoli), however it seems that he aims to get Sunderland to the Premier League.
The 22-year-old featured in every league match in the 2023/24 season for Sunderland, contributing a goal and an assist from full-back.
How crucial will it be for Sunderland to retain Trai Hume
Hume’s game developed significantly across the season, having gone from tallying 28 appearances in the 2022/23 season following his arrival from Linfield to not missing a single match in the 2023/24 campaign.
He was evidently one of the first names on the team sheet, predominantly at right-back, although was sometimes called upon at centre-back.
Hume’s traditional yet effective full-back style was crucial in tightening up the Sunderland defence, giving them the 5th best defence in the 2023/24 season in terms of goals conceded, despite an unsuccessful campaign seeing them finish in 16th.
The Northern Irish talent will be crucial not only on the pitch, but in the dressing room as well, from his outspoken love for the club to his motivation to get Sunderland back in the Premier League.
Hume has the perfect mindset heading into the 2024/25 campaign and it is one he could help distil into the squad and provide a significant impact to what could be a successful season for the Black Cats.