NYCFC news roundup: James Sands made his Bundesliga debut, Jovan Mijatović and more | OneFootball

The 2025 season is getting closer, and New York City FC will officially begin the preseason on Monday. They finally made their first two signings, bringing in Homegrown players Prince Amponsah and Jacob Arroyave. More signings are expected. Of course, a few more players will likely depart too.

Therefore, here is the next NYCFC news roundup, which is player-focused and includes some rumors too.

NYCFC news roundup: James Sands, Jovan Mijatović, and more

James Sands made his Bundesliga debut

In case one was on a very long vacation and had no access to the news, James Sands was loaned out to FC St. Pauli until the end of the Bundesliga season, with an option for a full-year loan if he does well.

On Saturday, the midfielder made his debut for the team. He came on as a substitute in the 78th minute, playing the remainder of the game. St. Pauli unfortunately lost to Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0, but it is good that Sands is already playing for his new team.

The NYCFC players are back!

As mentioned, NYCFC will officially begin their preseason on Monday. Hence, players have already returned for physicals and fitness tests, while also acclimating back to the team's training center, the Etihad City Football Academy New York.

It appears most of the players are back in town, including starters Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Keaton Parks, and Santiago Rodríguez. Moreover, a video released by the team has players saying who they are excited to see. Malachi Jones revealed he was excited to see Gray to "hear about his baby". So, it appears congratulations are in order for the right-back! He has not confirmed he has had a child, but one can assume Jones would not say something like that if it were not true.

One notable absence was Jovan Mijatović, who recently hit a woman with his car back in Serbia. As of now, there does not appear to be any foul play involved but he might have to stay in the country until the investigation concludes.

Is Jovan Mijatović on his way out from NYCFC?

At the same time, rumors surround Mijatović and his future with NYCFC. According to Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, the striker could be on his way out via a loan deal. It is believed he might possibly leave this January and go out on loan to a European team. Germany was deemed to be a possibility.

Truthfully, such a move would not be shocking after the forward's rough year with NYCFC. Expectations were high, but he failed to deliver. Part of that could be due to Nick Cushing. Also, Mijatović struggled to adjust. Since his potential is there, and since he easily could become a European star, it is not surprising that teams are interested in him regardless of his time with the Pigeons.

Will the Serbian return to New York City? Or will the Pigeons accept it was not working out and give him a chance elsewhere? Hopefully, the decision on Mijatović's future will be known soon.

Christian McFarlane will leave NYCFC