James Sands is heading back to Europe, but this time to the German Bundesliga.
St. Pauli has acquired Sands on loan from New York City FC for the remainder of the current league season, both clubs announced Wednesday. The 24-year-old Sands has totaled over 140 appearances for NYCFC since debuting for the first team in 2017.
He’s scored one goal and added two assists in that time.
“James Sands offers an exciting mix of athleticism and footballing ability,” St. Pauli Director of sport Andreas Bornemann said. “Another positive aspect is that he can be deployed both in central holding midfield and central defense. As he has already played at a higher level in Europe, we believe he can quickly acclimatize to the club and the Bundesliga.”
Sands also previously spent time on loan at Scottish Premiership club Rangers, making 28 combined appearances for the club. He’s earned 13 caps for the U.S. men’s national team to date, but hasn’t featured since July 2023.
St. Pauli sit 14th in the Bundesliga standings following promotion back to the top flight last spring. They return to league play on January 11 against Eintracht Frankfurt.
“FC St. Pauli is a club known to soccer fans in New York, too, but I obviously had to familiarise myself with the idea behind the way the team plays football,” Sands said. “The officials made a very convincing case about the ambitions the club has and the role I can play. Moving to one of the strongest European leagues is a big challenge for me and one I’m very much looking forward to.”
