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Trai Hume addresses Granit Xhaka transfer speculation and Sunderland dressing room concerns amid fan frustration

Trai Hume has addressed Granit Xhaka’s Chelsea links and accepted fans’ frustrations after Sunderland’s Dinamo defeat…

Sunderland Echo

Published: Sunday, 8 November 2026 at 7:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Trai Hume dismissed claims that summer Chelsea links involving captain Granit Xhaka affected Sunderland's squad.
Hume acknowledged fans' frustrations following defeats against Dinamo Zagreb and Coventry City.
The defender called on other players to step up and share leadership responsibilities during this difficult spell.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Sunderland defender Trai Hume has dismissed suggestions that summer transfer speculation linking captain Granit Xhaka with Chelsea negatively affected the dressing room. Speaking after a Europa League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, Hume affirmed that Xhaka remains the squad's leader, while acknowledging that both the midfielder and the team have fallen short of their expected standards.

Hume also accepted supporters' valid frustrations following poor results, including a 3-1 Premier League loss to Coventry City that left Sunderland bottom of the table. With manager Régis Le Bris under pressure and Chelsea visiting next, Hume urged the entire squad to step up and take responsibility.

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