Sunderland could lose ‘top’ star if promotion charge falls short, he has already publicly outlined one key ambition

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One Sunderland man could already have his mind made up over his future on Wearside if the Black Cats fail to gain promotion to the Premier League.

Sunderland are gearing up for the 2024/25 Championship play-offs, a position in which they have found themselves for some time.

This weekend saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat to Bristol City, in spite of Eliezer Mayenda’s incredible goal, which saw the young Spaniard bring the ball out from his own box, surge forward, and show brilliant composure to tuck the ball past Max O’Leary.

With the play-offs now firmly in Regis Le Bris’ side’s sights, there is very much riding on Sunderland notching promotion to the Premier League for deveral reasons.

Aside from the obvious prestige that will come with a return to the top flight for Sunderland, they are very much facing a fight to ensure the future of their top stars, including Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham. There is also another star player that has stood out for Sunderland this season, they could face a battle to keep, one that has already outlined his lofty ambitions.

• READ MORE: Sunderland expert weighs in on Regis Le Bris’ striker selection dilemma ahead of clash vs Blackburn Rovers

Sunderland may face an uphill battle to keep Trai Hume after previous ambition comments

This season, Sunderland full-back Trai Hume has undergone an incredible improvement, in which he has proven himself to be entiertely dependable on the defensive side, whilst also providing a potent goal threat in the final third, having notched a total of nine goal contributions (three goals, six assists).

Unlike teammates Jobe and Rigg, discussions surrounding Hume’s future at the Stadium of Light have gone slightly more under the radar, but there is still a realistic chance that he could move on if Sunderland doesn’t seal a return to the top flight.

Back in the summer of 2024, per The Telegraph, Hume said: “I think I could play in the Premier League. You have to keep yourself at a high standard ,and you want to push yourself as much as you can.

“That’s the level I want to get to, but I’m happy enough at Sunderland and happy where I’m at and I’m really enjoying my football. If a move happens, it happens, and if it doesn’t, I’m happy to play for Sunderland. 

“I try not to think about it. I let my agent deal with all that stuff, and until they come to Sunderland and offer money, I don’t pay too much attention to it.”

• READ MORE: Sunderland transfer target spills the truth on how ‘serious’ club were about signing him in January window

Trai Hume potential issue could string across several Black Cats stars

It is clear that Hume has shown impeccable ‘top’ quality throughout the 2024/25 Championship season, and there is no doubt that he has the ability to potentially play in England’s top flight.

The Northern Irish international, however, isn’t the only one that wouldn’t look out of place in the Premier League, which puts much more weight on Sunderland getting to the top flight, otherwise Black Cats Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman might be pressured into an involuntary fire sale.

The squad that Sunderland have certainly have all focus on the club’s ambitions in the short term, with all sights set on the incoming play-offs, but with the potential that several of the Black Cats ranks have, it would be difficult to stand in their way if promotion wasn’t clinched.