Trai Hume to be sold? Sunderland AFC must sort these 3 issues before August 30th | OneFootball

Sunderland AFC must solve these issues ahead of transfer deadline day

After finishing in a disappointing 16th position in the Championship table last term, Sunderland will be hoping to enjoy a successful summer transfer window in order to have a more successful 2024/25 season.

But the Black Cats have endured turbulent times of late, following a season in which they had three different managers, and will have to solve some issues this summer before looking ahead to the new campaign.

These are three players whose futures the club must solve prior to the transfer window deadline of August 30th:

Jack Clarke

Jack Clarke was absolutely electric for the Black Cats at times last term, and scored 15 goals in 40 appearances, despite the fact that he struggled in the latter half of the season, with his last goal coming on 17th February in a shock 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City, who were eventually relegated.

In fact, prior to the closing months of the season, Clarke was in the run-in for the Championship golden boot, but eventually finished 10th in the second tier's goalscoring charts following a poor run of form.

However, when he's at his very best, the former Tottenham Hotspur man looks like a player who is good enough for a Premier League return and has consequently been the subject of transfer interest from top-flight clubs.

According to Football Insider, West Ham United have 'concrete' interest in signing the Black Cats ace, while new Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui is trying to compile his own squad after taking the reins from previous boss David Moyes.

Whether the Black Cats are willing to let go of their star man or not, this is a situation which the club will look to end sooner rather than later, regardless of the outcome, but given Clarke's ability, it would be difficult for the club to retain his services if he wants to leave.

Trai Hume

Trai Hume was ever-present for the Mackems last campaign, playing in all 46 of the club's Championship fixtures, including an impressive 45 starts.

The 22-year-old is a dependable asset for both club and his native Northern Ireland, but his days at the Stadium of Light could be numbered as Premier League duo Aston Villa and Bournemouth have been credited with interest in securing his services, as per Football Insider.

The Black Cats would surely be devastated to let go of a youngster who signed for them in January 2022, and went on to win promotion from League One in the same year, before establishing himself in the Championship.

While Hume would likely remain a guaranteed starter in the northeast, the opportunity to move to the Premier League may not be something he is willing to pass up, so his current club must decide whether they are happy to sell him in the event that he wants to leave.

Chris Rigg

At just 17-years-old, Chris Rigg has already made 25 first team appearances for the Black Cats, scoring on three occasions, including two Championship goals last term.

According to Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley via an X post, Sunderland can now offer the teenager his first professional contract, but there is also interest in his services from other clubs in both England and overseas.

Rigg is an Academy of Light graduate, so surely his boyhood club must act swiftly to ensure that he continues his career with the Black Cats rather than pursuing a move away.