Overview
- NYCFC announced Thursday that 25-year-old James Sands has returned from his loan at FC St. Pauli and signed a contract through the 2029–30 season with an option for 2030–31.
- Sands’ loan to St. Pauli began in January 2025 and was extended through the 2025–26 season, during which he made 35 appearances and recorded one goal and one assist.
- He suffered a serious right-ankle injury early in his St. Pauli spell — a fractured fibula and torn MCL after seven matches — but recovered to finish the loan and play in cup matches including a German Cup quarterfinal run.
- A product of NYCFC’s academy and the club’s first homegrown signing, Sands has made roughly 143 appearances for the club, helped win the 2021 MLS Cup, and was named the club’s defensive MVP in 2024.
- Sporting director Todd Dunivant framed the extension as part of building NYCFC’s core roster and Sands said he intends to give the best years of his career back to the club, with his fitness and impact in MLS now ones to watch.