Following a season that initially held promise for a playoff berth but concluded with a disappointing 16th-place finish, Sunderland is purportedly bracing for transfer repercussions in the forthcoming months.

Sunderland transfer news

In hindsight, Sunderland fans might wonder if retaining Tony Mowbray and considering Michael Beale as his successor would have been a more fruitful path. When Mowbray left, the team was in contention for a top-six finish, but by the time his replacement departed, playoff aspirations had dwindled significantly, leaving supporters to ponder what might have been.

Mike Dodds’ temporary tenure in charge failed to turn the tide, contributing to a forgettable season for Sunderland. Now, the club finds itself in search of their next manager, a decision they must make carefully. Names like Paul Heckingbottom and Steve Cooper have been mentioned in connection with the role, but it’s still uncertain who will ultimately take on the challenging task of leading the team from the sidelines.

Whoever the prospective buyer may be, they are reportedly set to encounter an immediate transfer obstacle due to Sunderland’s disappointing season at the Stadium of Light. According to Graeme Bailey, Sunderland is poised to lose Trai Hume this summer as a repercussion of their struggles.

Bailey conveyed to Sunderland AFC News, “I believe you’re going to lose Hume at right-back as well. Well, they were considering selling the lad you acquired from PSG [Pembele], but I think one of the right-backs will depart. Initially, they had signed the PSG player to eventually replace Hume, but he hasn’t had many opportunities, has he?”

This development deals a significant blow to Sunderland, potentially leaving them without one, if not both, of their right-back options and forcing them to seek reinforcements in the transfer market. Hume’s potential departure would be particularly disheartening, given his regular starting role and the glowing commendation from Mowbray, who remarked: “I advised him to remain patient, emphasizing that injuries would present opportunities, and he should be prepared to seize them. He made me think, ‘wow.’ Lynden has moved on, Luke is now in central defense, and Trai has firmly established himself in that position.”

Hume departure would sum Sunderland’s season up

While Sunderland aims to focus on the positives and usher in a new era at the Stadium of Light, the potential departure of Hume would deliver a significant blow, even if the right offer emerges to relieve the club of his reported £3,000-per-week salary.

His exit would serve as a stark reminder of the importance of striving for a place in the Championship’s top six and ultimately aiming for promotion to the Premier League. Regardless of Sunderland’s fate, Dodds believes Hume possesses the quality for the top flight, having praised him via Chronicle Live in March.

Dodds commented, “If he continues on this trajectory, Trai is destined for the Premier League. That’s how highly I rate him. When you consider full-backs in this league, Trai would undoubtedly be among the best, if not the best, and I don’t think there will be much debate about that.”

If Hume indeed departs as predicted by Bailey, then the Premier League could be his destination this summer. At 22 years old, he possesses both the time and potential to excel at the highest level.

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