Overview
- FC St. Pauli confirmed that James Sands has left the club after his 18-month loan from New York City FC ended.
- Sands made 35 appearances for St. Pauli but saw his playing time cut short by two serious ankle injuries that forced season-ending absences.
- The midfielder had become a regular in defensive midfield before injuries limited his availability and the team’s ability to replace him late in the season.
- Sands’ exit is one of several post-relegation departures from the Millerntor, joining exits that include Nikola Vasilj, Danel Sinani, Karol Mets and Andréas Hountondji.
- St. Pauli now face summer rebuilding needs as they prepare for the 2. Liga, with fitness concerns and gaps in defense and midfield among the priorities for recruitment.