What does the future hold for James Sands with NYCFC and St. Pauli?

New York City FC is about to celebrate the team's 10th anniversary, but compared to sides around the world, the Pigeons have a short history when all is said and done. That included their Homegrown signings, for there have only been so many since James Sands became the first in 2017.

Sands is a fan favorite and has become a vital part of the club since he began playing regularly in 2019. He did leave on loan in 2022 after the 2021 MLS Cup win, but his struggles with Rangers F.C. saw him return in 2023.

After another two strong years with NYCFC, especially this past season, the 24-year-old has earned another shot at Europe, for he left on loan to play in the Bundesliga with FC St. Pauli. So far, he has played in seven regular season matches, starting five of them.

Sadly, Sands' season has likely come to an end due to an injury he suffered late in the loss to SC Freiburg over the weekend. NYCFC confirmed that the midfielder has "undergone surgery to repair a complex right ankle injury involving a fractured fibula and torn medial collateral ligament".

What is James Sands' future with NYCFC?

When one hears such an injury, it is easy to believe it is severe. The club did not release the expected recovery time, saying he is out indefinitely. However, journalist Tom Bogert reports that Sands is aiming to be back in the summertime. In other words, he will be out for the rest of the season, but should not miss the rest of the year. At least, that is the hope.

So, what does that mean for the midfielder? Will he stay in Germany to recover? Will he remain on loan with St. Pauli? Will the German side pick up his loan option for the 2025-2026 season? Or, is the injury enough to see him return to the Bronx team?

There are multiple questions surrounding Sands' injury and it makes sense. He was in Germany on loan, so he is still a player for NYCFC.

Yet, the midfielder was having a good start with St. Pauli. Again, he started the last five Bundesliga games for the 14th-place side. The club might recognize this as well as the fact that he was dealt a bad blow with the injury. Therefore, they could pick up his full-year loan option to give him more time to prove himself. Of course, it appears the NYCFC Homegrown player was already doing that.

In addition, perhaps Sands and NYCFC will see whether St. Pauli is back in the Bundesliga next season. The side is seven points above the relegation zone, but there are a few more months of matches. If they stay in the first division, and want Sands back, then it should be an easy decision.

At the same time, it is possible the German team might decide not to renew the loan deal if Sands' recovery will take him into the fall or longer. This is a possibility, but hopefully, that will not occur.

No matter what, NYCFC will always welcome Sands home if needed. The injury may be a setback, but the midfielder knows what that is like. He will be back, and perhaps this will be the spark that turns him into one of the best players on St. Pauli.