Sunderland fans have spent the build-up to the new season asking one question: will Trai Hume start away at Ipswich Town? This update, published on 17 September 2026, looks back at his outstanding end to pre-season and what it means for Regis Le Bris’ selection ahead of the Premier League opener.
Trai Hume sets Sunderland standard ahead of Ipswich Town opener
Hume finished pre-season as one of Sunderland’s most reliable performers. He scored the winning goal against Rennes at the Stadium of Light, his second goal in as many matches after also finding the net in the win over RC Lens.
Speaking after the Rennes win, in his post-match interview after beating Rennes, Hume reflected on a demanding summer schedule. “Pre-season has been good,” he said. “There has been a lot of travelling – going over to America and France – but we have to get used to that this season with us being in Europe.”
He added that Sunderland must adapt quickly once the season starts. “We will be travelling and playing games straight after, so we have to always be ready.”
That mentality, built across matches in America and France, places Hume among the club’s top performers in recent campaigns heading into the new season.
How Sunderland fought back to defeat Rennes at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland’s pre-season finale did not start well. Rennes, the Ligue 1 side, took the lead in the first half at the Stadium of Light, and Hume admitted the display before the break fell short of expectations.
I am delighted. We came out a little bit slow and a little bit sloppy in the first half, and we knew that coming off at half-time.
Brian Brobbey levelled for Sunderland before Hume struck the winner in the second half, completing a come-from-behind victory. Hume said the improvement after the break was clear.
We were a lot better and created a lot of chances. We obviously got the two goals and probably could’ve had more, to be honest.
He believes that second-half performance sets the tone for the season ahead.
We were the dominant team at the end, and we played the way we want to going forward – that’s how we have to start next weekend at Ipswich Town.
Will Trai Hume start for Sunderland against Ipswich Town?
Regis Le Bris has not confirmed his starting XI for the trip to Ipswich Town. Hume’s two goals in his last two pre-season appearances do, however, put him in a strong position to keep his place.
Nothing has been officially announced, and Le Bris is unlikely to reveal his team until closer to kick-off. Based on the evidence of pre-season, Hume looks like one of the more secure names in contention for a starting shirt on the opening weekend.
Hume himself is not looking past the season opener.
We are focused on the next game now, and that’s Ipswich. We will take each game as it comes this season.
What happens next for Trai Hume and Regis Le Bris’ side
Sunderland travel to Ipswich Town for the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with European competition also on the horizon this year. Hume believes the closing weeks of pre-season have prepared the squad for what lies ahead.
The last two games have given us a taste of what we could face in Europe this year, but it’s all about preparing for next weekend at Ipswich.
Le Bris has options across the squad and continues to weigh up squad rotation under Le Bris as fixtures come thick and fast this season. For now, Hume’s pre-season form gives Sunderland fans genuine reason for optimism heading into the Premier League opener at Ipswich Town.
