U.S. international James Sands sees loan to FC St. Pauli extended through end of 2026 Bundesliga season

German Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli have announced that they have extended the loan of U.S. international James Sands through the remainder of the 2026 season. Sands, on loan from MLS side New York City FC, originally joined on a deal through the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

The 24-year-old is currently sidelined with what was described as a "complex ankle injury" involving a fractured fibula and torn medial collateral ligament that he suffered against Freiburg in February. The injury ended his season in Germany, but with the extension, there are expectations that he will play a role in the 2025-26 season for the club.

His timeline of return is still uncertain.

“Missing a large part of the second half of the season is obviously a disappointment, but at the same time, it motivates me to return to the pitch as soon as possible so that we can build on what we’ve achieved together,” Sands said upon his loan renewal.

St. Pauli’s manager Alexander Blessin praised the U.S. international’s renewal.

“He has shown that with his tactical understanding, flexibility, and skillful tackling, he can contribute greatly to our stability,” he said.

The club was promoted to the German Bundesliga one year ago and ended their 2024-25 campaign 14th in the top-flight, just three points above the relegation playoff place.

Sands, who has 13 international appearances, previously played for Scottish powerhouse Rangers, and lifted the MLS Cup with NYCFC in 2021.

Sands played as both a defensive midfielder and a central defender in a three-man backline during his first weeks at St. Pauli. He made a great impression with the club during the seven appearances he made with the club. During that stretch, he started five times, picking up one yellow card while keeping two clean sheets.

Although his timeline for return from injury is uncertain, there will be hopes that the 24-year-old will be able to return to training this summer ahead of the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign.