Trai Hume plays down Real Madrid talk after surprise links surface | OneFootball

Trai Hume has played down links to Real Madrid after the Sunderland defender was asked about the speculation on Northern Ireland duty.

According to Defensa Central, Madrid are monitoring right-sided options, including Hume, as they assess low-cost cover and competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Dani Carvajal expected to depart. The report also mentioned Josh Acheampong, Givairo Read, Matt Wieffer and Vanderson, and suggested Hume could cost about €22 million, roughly £19 million.

Asked at Northern Ireland’s press conference, Hume said: “Obviously, I seen it, but I didn't really think too much of it to be honest”.

Hume was one of Sunderland’s standouts under Régis Le Bris, playing every league game last season as the club finished seventh in the Premier League and reached the Europa League. His versatility has seen him operate across defence and further forward.

Sunderland signed him from Linfield in January 2022. He became a regular in 2022-23 after debuting in a 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham Town, then extended his deal in 2023 before committing long term after promotion, keeping him at the club until summer 2030.

Earlier this season he scored in a 4-3 loss to Aston Villa, then opened the scoring in the 2-1 win over Chelsea that sealed Sunderland’s first European qualification since 1973-74.

Source: Sunderland Echo