US international
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FC St. Pauli has completed its first winter transfer. Midfielder James Sands comes from New York City FC, where the 24-year-old extended his contract until the end of 2028. The 13-time US international will play in Hamburg on loan for the rest of the season. According to the MLS club, under certain conditions there is an option to extend the loan by another year until the summer of 2026.
“With James we are getting a clever player who has a very good understanding of the game and, thanks to his clean technique, finds constructive solutions under pressure,” said coach Alexander Blessin about Sands, who was once loaned to Glasgow Rangers. “His ability to anticipate also helps him in defensive play, so he can often intercept balls or put the opponent under pressure early on. He demonstrated these qualities both in the United States and during his stint in Scotland.”
Sports director Andreas Bornemann highlighted Sands’ “exciting mix of athleticism and football skills” and emphasized that he was versatile; in central and defensive midfield as well as in central defense. For New York he mostly played in the six position, for the Rangers he also played more often in the center of defense.
Sands explained: “FC St. Pauli is a club that football fans in New York also know. Of course, I still had to figure out what game idea the team was pursuing. Those responsible showed me very convincingly what ambitions the club has and what role I can play in it. For me, moving to one of the strongest European leagues is a big challenge that I’m really looking forward to.”