Trai Hume Reflects on His Journey from Irish Premiership to Premier League
Sunderland defender Trai Hume has always been confident in his ability to play in England, despite only making his move to the Stadium of Light at the age of 19.
The Northern Ireland international began his career in the Irish Premiership with Ballymena United and Linfield, having not been signed by any academy in England or Scotland.
Since joining the Black Cats in January 2022, when the club was still competing in League One, Hume has made 21 appearances in the Premier League this season following two promotions.
Reflecting on his journey, Hume expressed, "I was obviously disappointed and frustrated not to move at 16, but I was determined to prove my worth at any level." He shared this sentiment with BBC Sport NI.
"When I made my debut for Linfield at 17, I felt ready for the challenge. After discussions with David Healy, I went on loan to Ballymena, where I gained valuable experience playing regularly. That gave me the confidence to believe I could succeed in England, and when I got my chance here, I knew I could compete at this level."
The Journey Has Been Amazing
Hume, who was named Northern Ireland Player of the Year for 2025, acknowledges the advantages of joining an academy early versus gaining experience in the Irish Premiership. "Staying in the Irish league allows for quicker first-team opportunities and helps establish a player," he noted.
He elaborated, "Moving to England at 16 could lead to being caught between first-team and under-21 squads, but every player’s path is unique. It all depends on the individual’s personality and belief in their capabilities."
Hume's remarkable journey has seen him progress from the Irish Premiership to the Premier League in just four years. He described the playoff victory at Wembley and Sunderland's strong start to the Premier League season as the highlights of 2025, calling it the "best year" of his career.
"Those moments in the playoffs and our transition into the Premier League have been a dream. When I signed in January 2022, we were second in League One, and I was eager to contribute to our promotion. Although I didn’t play as much as I wanted initially, I seized my opportunity in the Championship the following year and have been part of the team ever since. The journey has been incredible; I couldn’t have imagined it any better."
Soaking in the Win Over Boyhood Club Chelsea
Hume, alongside his international teammate Daniel Ballard, has made significant contributions this season, participating in draws against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal, as well as a derby victory over Newcastle. However, he cites the 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in October as his personal highlight, given his childhood support for the west London club.
"Dan and I, both Chelsea fans, were in disbelief as we celebrated beating the team we grew up supporting. Many family members were present, and my grandfather was actually in the Chelsea end. That moment stands out when I reflect on where we are now. It was truly special, and it’s one of those moments I really soaked in."