James Sands gets another shot at Europe as NYCFC loans him to FC St. Pauli | OneFootball

After a fantastic season that saw James Sands become the Defensive Player of the Year for New York City FC, the longtime Homegrown player is getting another shot at Europe.

On New Year's Day, when truthfully many fans were probably still sleeping, NYCFC announced that Sands is going out on loan to Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli. The loan deal will be for the rest of the season, with an option for the 2025/2026 season if the midfielder does well and is successful. Plus, the club said he extended his contract until the end of 2028.

James Sands is heading back out on loan

This is Sands' second loan deal, for he originally went out on loan to Rangers F.C. in 2022. However, he struggled during his time in Scotland and did not play the minutes that he should have. As a result, he found himself back with the Pigeons at the start of the 2023 season. Since then, he has been a bright light during NYCFC's struggles, and there was a reason he was the Defensive Player of the Year for 2024.

There is no question that Sands deserves to try playing in Europe again, for he has since developed further since his return from Rangers. Fans knew he would make the jump, but there was no indication it would be now. While he will be missed, this was a wonderful surprise for the NYCFC player. He must know that the supporters will be cheering him on as he plays in Germany.

Meanwhile, the club continues to show how they support him. Sporting Director David Lee expressed to newyorkcityfc.com how the Pigeons are happy to see Sands play with St. Pauli.

"We are really pleased for James that he has earned this opportunity to play for a fantastic club in the Bundesliga," the sporting director said. "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."

Sands also felt the time to move was now. He told the team's website, "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.”

Of course, everyone hopes the Homegrown player will be successful. However, if he struggles, then the short loan gives him the chance to return to NYCFC in the summer. This is a friendly deal, and then the option to extend will allow him to stay if he plays well and St. Pauli wants him for the next campaign.

The Bundesliga has also been a league where Americans have been successful. Former NYCFC player Joe Scally is a great example. Therefore, this was a good move for Sands. In addition, 14th place St. Pauli needs all the help they can get. It will be exciting to watch the NYCFC midfielder as he tries his second shot in Europe.