Sunderland defender Trai Hume is looking forward to the new season, with a special focus on one game.
The next six months will be crucial for the Sunderland defender as his club prepares for their highly anticipated return to the Premier League and Northern Ireland begins their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
Despite being aware of the additional responsibilities at a higher level, Hume is eager to take on the task.
“I’m really excited,” the 23-year-old said. “I’m definitely not looking forward to pre-season as much because it’s going to be a little tougher, but that’s all part of it.
“I’ll have to work harder than I have before because I’m stepping up a level and playing in the best league in the world,” according to Belfast Live.
“It will be difficult, but I’m excited. It is a challenge that I know my Sunderland teammates and I are looking forward to, and we hope to get started soon.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say the derby against Newcastle is the game I’m looking forward to most,” he told me.
“For me I was a Chelsea fan (growing up) so I’m looking forward to playing them twice but obviously the main game is the derby.”
Hume isn’t the only player looking forward to the Premier League dates being released next week; teammate full-back Dennis Cirkin is also expecting them.
Cirkin is one of six Sunderland players who appeared in both the League One play-off final and the Championship play-off victory at Wembley Stadium, together with Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, Patrick Roberts, Luke O’Nien, and Hume.
Despite the fact that the Black Cats concluded the season later than everyone else, the left-back is excited to return for preseason training.
Cirkin said: “It hasn’t been long since the season ended, but I’m already looking forward to returning. This is what we have all been working toward.
“We won’t be here for the ceremony. That first game will be a wonderful occasion, but our season will not be limited to that.
“We know it’s going to be a huge challenge but we’ll be ready to take that head on.”
The Premier League fixtures for 2025-26 will be revealed on Wednesday, at 9 a.m.
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