NYCFC loans U.S. international James Sands to Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli

New York City FC have loaned U.S. international James Sands to Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli through June 30, 2025 with an option to extend through the 2025-26 season. The 24-year-old has extended his contract with the MLS side through 2028, as well.

The loan will begin immediately, and Sands will miss the beginning of the 2025 MLS season as a result.

Sands was NYCFC's first Homegrown signing back in 2017, eventually helping the club to secure it's first trophy in MLS Cup 2021. The midfielder was loaned to Scottish powerhouse Rangers during the 2022-23 season, where he made 41 appearances, winning the 2022 Scottish Cup and featuring in the Europa League final.

He returned to NYCFC in 2023, where he's made 67 appearances across all competitions.

“New York City is home, I would like to thank everyone at the club for welcoming me back and aiding my progression,” Sands said. “After two years in New York, I feel like it’s the right time to make a move back to Europe, and 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.”

Internationally, Sands has represented the U.S. 13 times and was a part of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup winning roster.

“We are really pleased for James that he has earned this opportunity to play for a fantastic club in the Bundesliga,” Sporting Director David Lee said in a statement. “When James returned from his loan at Rangers in 2023, he was always clear that in the future he wanted the opportunity to return to Europe and we agreed that we would be supportive of those ambitions at the right time. 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 be an inspiration to all the players in our academy. James had a huge impact in helping the team return to the playoffs in 2024, in addition to reaching his milestone 100th appearance and deservedly winning the club’s Defensive MVP award. 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 loan begins immediately, and the German side report back to the pitch on Jan. 11 against Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.