Regis Le Bris will be keen to keep hold of key Sunderland man after being handed transfer verdict.
Sunderland are gearing up for an away trip to Preston North End, where they will hope to put a recent poor showing against Queens Park Rangers behind them.
The Black Cats were yet again reliant on their impeccable defensive capabilities this time out, with Chris Mepham putting in a star performance at centre-back yet again.
Luke O’Nien also continued his consistent streak of being very dependable and composed at the back, meaning that it will be unlikely to see Dan Ballard return straight away into a starting centre-back spot for the side after his return from injury.
As for the full-backs, Dennis Cirkin has been statistically proven to be the best player in the Championship, and there is no doubting the qualities he has shown up until this early stage of the 2024/25 season. As a result of the praise headed towards the Sunderland left-back, Trai Hume on the other flank has almost gone under the radar, despite leading the Championship with one key stat.
- READ MORE: One Sunderland star may have missed golden opportunity to impress Regis Le Bris in QPR display
Trai Hume has accumulated joint-most chances created as a defender in the Championship for Sunderland
The Black Cats’ defence has been resolute, but it has also been impeccable when going forward and Hume’s capabilities have certainly embodied that.
Via SofaScore, Hume has recorded the joint-most chances created by a defender so far in the 2024/25 Championship season, with him being level with Sheffield United man Harrison Burrows and Sheffield Wednesday’s Yan Valery.
Sunderland’s right-back has been ever-present this season, however Regis Le Bris will be wary that the Northern Ireland international is likely to drum up transfer interest this season.
- READ MORE: Regis Le Bris has obvious solution to Jobe Bellingham blow at Sunderland, and he’s yet to use it
Trai Hume future uncertainty could spark key squad depth issue
Whilst Hume isn’t actively linked with a move at this stage of the 2024/25 Championship season, the likelihood of him moving on has been rated, and it does likely depend on Sunderland’s promotion ambitions and whether they will reach the top flight.
If Hume was to move on from Wearside this season, or even just pick up a knock that saw him out of action, there would be a major issue in regards to squad depth that would arise.
The only player at this moment who will likely be able to swoop into Hume’s position would be O’Nien, and that would therefore leave a vacant spot at centre-back.
Sunderland’s defence has been incredible this season, but it is safe to say that Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman are playing a risky game with their lack of back-up options, especially with the likelihood that their ranks could certainly start drumming up some serious interest from elsewhere.