In the last five years, Trai Hume has transformed from an Irish League academy product to a Premier League mainstay. The 24-year Northern Ireland defender began his career at Ballymena United before bursting onto the scene at Linfield, where his performances caught the eye of Sunderland. His 2022 move to the Wearside club marked a pivotal chapter, with Hume becoming an indispensable figure in their push for European qualification.

This season alone, he has appeared in all 35 of Sunderland’s Premier League matches, forming a defensive partnership with Northern Ireland teammate Dan Ballard while contributing a goal and assist. His consistency earned him Sunderland’s 2024-25 player of the season award and the Northern Ireland Football Association Writers’ International Player of the Year honor.