Alious
Sunderland may struggle to keep hold of one of their most improved and valuable players should their quest for Premier League promotion fall short. Full-back **Trai Hume**, whose performances have surged this season, has previously made it clear that his ambitions extend to the top tier of English football — and failure to reach it could see his future lie away from Wearside.
Currently locked into the Championship play-off race, **Regis Le Bris’ side** suffered a dent to their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to **Bristol City**, despite a sensational solo goal from young Spaniard **Eliezer Mayenda**. With the season approaching its critical phase, Sunderland’s push for the top flight carries stakes far greater than just prestige — the club may be forced to fend off interest in their brightest talents.
While rising stars **Jobe Bellingham** and **Chris Rigg** have frequently grabbed headlines, it’s **Hume** who has quietly become indispensable. The Northern Ireland international has delivered a standout 2024/25 campaign, impressing on both ends of the pitch with **three goals and six assists**, while maintaining defensive reliability.
Though chatter around his future has been quieter than that of some teammates, Hume’s own comments from **summer 2024** suggest he won’t settle for Championship football forever. Speaking to *The Telegraph*, he said:
**“I think I could play in the Premier League. You’ve got to hold yourself to high standards and keep pushing. That’s where I want to be.”**
However, he balanced his ambition with loyalty, adding:
**“I’m happy at Sunderland and loving my football. If a move comes, it comes. If not, I’m still happy here.”**
This pragmatic but forward-looking mindset hints that Hume’s future could hinge on the club’s promotion fate. And he may not be alone. With **several players showing Premier League potential**, Sporting Director **Kristjaan Speakman** could be facing a tough summer, especially if bigger clubs come calling and the Black Cats remain grounded in the second tier.
For now, the focus remains on clinching a play-off triumph. But if Sunderland falter, they may be left counting the cost — not just in terms of missed opportunity, but potentially in the **departure of top-tier talent like Trai Hume**.
Alious
