NEW YORK, N.Y. – New York City FC has announced that midfielder James Sands will be loaned to FC St. Pauli in the German Bundesliga until June 30, 2025. FC St. Pauli has the option to extend the loan through the 2025/26 season based on certain conditions. Additionally, Sands has extended his contract with New York City FC through December 31, 2028.
James Sands:
- Recent Performance: Since returning to New York City FC at the start of the 2023 season, Sands made 67 appearances across all competitions, providing four assists and scoring his first goal for the club. In 2024, he achieved a career-high in assists, became the third homegrown player to score a goal, and earned Defensive MVP accolades.
- Milestones: Sands became the first homegrown player to join The Century Club by making 100 MLS appearances.
- Loan to Rangers: Spent the 2021/22 offseason on loan to Scottish side Rangers Glasgow, making 41 appearances and contributing a goal in all competitions. He won the 2022 Scottish Cup and featured in the 2021 Europa League final, as well as UEFA Champions League group play.
Sporting Director David Lee: “We are really pleased for James that he has earned this opportunity to play for a fantastic club in the Bundesliga. When James returned from his loan at Rangers in 2023, he was always clear about his desire to return to Europe. This is an incredible opportunity for James to play in one of the top five European leagues. James has been an incredible professional since he first signed with the club in 2017, and his development and career so far should inspire all the players in our academy. While we will miss James on-and-off the field during the loan period, we are excited to closely follow his career in Europe and wish him all the best for the remainder of the Bundesliga season.”
Sands’ Reflection: “New York City is home. I would like to thank everyone at the club for welcoming me back and aiding my progression. After two years in New York, I feel like it’s the right time to make a move back to Europe, and I am very much looking forward to testing myself and experiencing a new league. I wish my teammates and the club all the best of luck in the upcoming season.”
Transaction: New York City FC loans midfielder James Sands to FC St. Pauli through June 30, 2025, with St. Pauli having an option to extend the loan through the 2025/26 season based on certain conditions being met. Sands has extended his contract with New York City FC through December 31, 2028.
