NEW YORK — New York City FC officially welcomed home one of the most important players in club history on Thursday, announcing that midfielder James Sands has returned from his loan spell with German side FC St. Pauli and signed a contract extension through the 2029-30 season, with an option for 2030-31.
The Homegrown product spent the last season and a half in Germany, making 35 appearances across all competitions for St. Pauli while recording one goal and one assist. Sands also helped the club reach the quarterfinals of the DFB-Pokal, starting all four cup matches and providing an assist in a second-round victory over Hoffenheim.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome James back to New York City,” Sporting Director Todd Dunivant said. “James has been an important part of this Club’s history, has proven himself in this League, and now brings top European experience.”
Sands’ return comes at an important time for the Boys in Blue. With club legend Maxi Moralez sidelined through injury, New York City has been searching for ways to replace both leadership and creativity in midfield. While Sands is not a direct replacement for Moralez’s attacking qualities, his versatility and ability to control possession could provide stability to the center of the park as head coach Pascal Jansen reshapes the lineup.
The addition may also allow New York City to move Mitja Ilenič back into his natural right back role on a more permanent basis, providing the club with additional flexibility as it enters the second half of the MLS season.
Sands first joined New York City FC as the club’s inaugural Homegrown signing in 2017 and has since made 143 appearances across all competitions. He was a key figure during the club’s historic 2021 MLS Cup-winning campaign, starting all four playoff matches, including the championship victory over Portland.
“New York City FC has been an important part of my career at every stage,” Sands said. “Now it’s my turn to give the best years of my career back to the Club.”
For a team battling injuries and looking to maintain its place in the Eastern Conference playoff race, the return of one of its own could prove to be a timely boost.
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