FC St. Pauli

Sands, 24, arrived on loan in winter, originally until the end of the season, and made a total of seven Bundesliga appearances before his season was ended prematurely by a complicated ankle injury. He comes from NYCFC's youth academy, where he made the step up to the senior squad in 2017. Sands made 143 appearances for New York City in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

In January 2022, Sands joined Glasgow Rangers on a 12-month loan, making 28 league and cup appearances in Scotland and gaining international experience in 13 Champions League and Europa League outings. He has also played 13 times for the USA.

Reaction to the deal

Director of sport Andreas Bornemann: "We're delighted to have reached an agreement to extend the loan. There was already a corresponding clause in the original contract, but it didn't kick in due to James's injury. In his time with us he's shown he can hold his own in the Bundesliga and strengthen the team. Now we have to continue to support James as best we can in his return to action."

Head coach Alexander Blessin:" James had slotted in magnificently after joining us but unfortunately was then struck down by the injury. With his tactical understanding, flexibility and skilful tackling, he's shown he can contribute a lot to our stability. All the better, then, that we'll have him in the team for much longer than half a season now."

James Sands: "Much of what I was hoping for when I moved to Hamburg has come to being. Settling in was made very easy for me, both in personal and footballing terms, and I'm very proud to have proved myself with the team in the Bundesliga. It was obviously disappointing to miss a large part of the second half of the season, but at the same time it's an incentive to get back on the pitch as soon as possible so we can continue what we've achieved together."

Photos: Witters