Four moves NYCFC should make before the 2022 MLS Season

It could be time for NYCFC to put James Sands on the transfer list

Though it probably wasn’t his best season since graduating from NYCFC’s Academy, technically speaking, James Sands broke out in a big way in 2021, playing a pivotal role in City’s midfield and making his first appearances for the USMNT, which included caps in World Cup Qualifiers and the Gold Cup. Though the Rye, NY native surely has some development left to do before truly ascending to that next level, it may be within NYCFC’s best interests to put him in the shopping window during next month’s transfer window.

Letting go of James Sands is nothing we’ve ever wanted to do, but it’s always something that NYCFC fans have known is a big possibility. And having turned 21 and gotten more experience than ever before, Sands could be a valued target for clubs in Europe looking for that next breakout American star. The Boys in Blue could do well to cash in on his reported value of $4.4 million, as estimated by Transfermarkt.

While an argument could be made to keep him, it could be good business should NYCFC decide now is the time to let the Sandsman terrorize attacks in Europe.