St. Pauli extends Sands loan from NYCFC despite injury
St. Pauli extends Sands loan from NYCFC despite injury
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'Heartbeat' and 'Brilliant' kits unveiled for USWNT, USMNT
U.S. Soccer on May 13 unveiled the 2025 Nike U.S. National Team Kit Collection, introducing new kits for the men's and women's teams .
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James Sands seems to have made a real impression on St. Pauli.
The Bundesliga side announced on Tuesday that it has extended the midfielder's loan from New York City FC through the end of the 2025-26 season.
Sands only managed to make seven appearances after joining St. Pauli in a midseason loan, as an ankle injury in February ended his season.
But those handful of matches were enough to convince St. Pauli that the 24-year-old was worth bringing back for a full season.
"James had integrated excellently with us since his arrival and was then unfortunately slowed down by the injury," said head coach Alexander Blessin in a team release.
"He has shown that with his tactical understanding, flexibility, and skillful tackling, he can contribute greatly to our stability. It's all the more pleasing that we now have him in our team for much longer than just half a season."
Sands had started five matches in a row for St. Pauli before his injury. Following the final round of matches last weekend, St. Pauli secured its Bundesliga status for next season by finishing in 14th place.
"We are very pleased that we were able to reach an agreement to extend the loan agreement," said St. Pauli sporting director Andreas Bornemann.
"A corresponding clause was already included in the original contract, but could not be activated due to James' injury. In his previous appearances for us, he has already proven that he can hold his own in the Bundesliga and strengthen our team. Now it's important to continue to support James as best as possible in his return to the pitch."
Sands has earned 13 caps for the U.S. men's national team, most recently appearing at the 2023 Gold Cup.
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