NYCFC Extends James Sands Loan to St. Pauli Through 2026

New York City FC has extended midfielder James Sands' loan to Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli through the end of the 2025-26 season despite Sands suffering a complex right ankle injury that ended his 2024-25 campaign early. Sands made seven appearances for St. Pauli after joining on loan in January before the injury, which included a fractured fibula and torn medial collateral ligament. The 24-year-old has impressed St. Pauli's management with his tactical understanding, versatility, and defensive skills, contributing to the club's stability and helping them secure Bundesliga survival by finishing 14th. Sands, a homegrown player for NYCFC, has been a key player for the MLS club, earning the defensive MVP award in 2024 and becoming the first homegrown player to reach 100 MLS appearances. He has also earned 13 caps with the U.S. men's national team and had previous loan spells at Louisville City and Rangers in Scotland. Both Sands and St. Pauli’s coaching staff expressed optimism about his recovery and continued contribution to the team's defensive organization.