Official | St. Pauli sign James Sands from New York City FC | OneFootball

St. Pauli have today announced the signing of defensive-midfielder James Sands (25) on loan from MLS club New York City FC on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 24-year-old, who has represented the USMNT on 13 occasions, spent 14 months on loan at Rangers before returning to New York City FC, where he played 38 games across all competitions last season, and 143 appearances to date.

On joining St. Pauli, Sands told the club’s official channels: “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. 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.”

St. Pauli head coach Alexander Blessin added: “In James we’re getting an intelligent player who has a very good understanding of the game and finds constructive solutions under pressure thanks to his sound technique. His defensive anticipation helps him to make lots of interceptions and quickly exert pressure on opponents. He has demonstrated these qualities both in the US and during his spell in Scotland.”

After winning just two of their first 11 games in the Bundesliga this season, St. Pauli ended the year strongly with two wins in four games, against Holstien Kiel and St. Pauli, which has moved Blessin’s side four points clear of the relegation playoff, currently occupied by Heidenheim.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder