James Sands Returns to NYCFC
Photo Credit: NYCFC
With a lack of depth at both midfield and central defense, New York City FC is embracing the return of James Sands.
Sands flew into New York City on Tuesday night and will be available for selection at the Chicago Fire on Saturday.
Sands – the first Homegrown in club history – was loaned to Rangers FC in the Scottish Premier League on January 5, 2022 – an 18-month loan that was set to expire on May 31 this year.
The combination of NYCFC needs and a diminished role for Sands at Rangers FC led to his reunion with the club where he won a pair of U-19 National Championships as part of their first class of academy players.
The arrival of Michael Beale in place of the fired Gio van Bronckhorst ultimately led to a severe reduction in minutes for the 22-year-old Sands.
In Rangers FC last 10 matches – all competitions – Sands was on the bench and did not play in five of those games and was not in the squad for Scottish League Cup matches vs Aberdeen and most recently Celtic on the weekend.
Of the three matches Sands played, two of his appearances totaled nine minutes while playing the full 90 at center back in the Scottish FA Cup vs Patrick Thistle.
Before the dismissal of van Bronckhorst, Sands played in seven consecutive matches – all of them starts.
In all, Sands made 41 appearances for Rangers FC - 24 of those in Cups, Europa League (5 app, 86’) and Champions League (4 app, 325’- average 81 minutes per match).
“It was a priority for us to try and ensure James returned to New York this season,” said Sporting Director David Lee in a club statement. "Despite opportunities to continue his career in Europe, we are pleased that we’ve been able to reach an agreement on a new contract and convince James that this is the right place for his continued career progression. We know James’ ambition remains to play at the highest levels in Europe and we will continue to support him with his career aspirations.”
“I am excited to return to New York,” said Sands. "As someone who grew up in New York and played for local youth teams and the NYCFC academy, it was and continues to be a great honor to represent this Club. NYCFC has had a tremendous impact on my development, the Club's support of my initial step in Europe and continued understanding of my career goals has been very important to me.
“I would like to thank Rangers for the fantastic opportunity to play with a top-notch European team. Reaching the Europa League final, playing in the Champions League, and winning the Scottish Cup are just a few of the many positive memories that I will take away with me. The level of support from the Rangers’ fans is second to none."
The encounters in UCL competition were likely the most valuable minutes in Sands’ development.
He started versus Ajax twice and Napoli twice – 3 of those games at center back and one in a defensive midfield role.
The expectation is that Sands will contribute in both of those positions for NYCFC where he has accumulated 76 appearances in all competitions including an NYC-leading Fotmob rating of 8.5 in the 2021 MLS Cup Final in Portland.