New York City FC defender James Sands joins Scotland’s Rangers on an 18-month loan through June 2023, the membership announced Wednesday. Rangers preserve a buy option as part of the deal.
The player made sixty five Major League Soccer appearances with NYCFC, and stands as the membership’s first-ever homegrown signing. The defender also stimulated his aspect to a a success 2021 campaign, guiding NYCFC to their first MLS Cup win.
“To be capable of bring the membership its first championship is some thing that I will remember for all time," Sands stated in a membership announcement.
"It has been an great yr and I couldn’t be prouder to had been a part of it – for a club that I had been with for goodbye. I desire in some way I’ve been capable of set an instance and inspire different young soccer players and different gamers in our Academy.
"I want to thank NYCFC for the whole lot they’ve completed for me. They have usually supplied me with an environment to carry out. This membership is a circle of relatives and it's been my domestic seeing that I signed, I’ve grown up here. I want to thank the satisfactory enthusiasts inside the international for always supporting me and having my lower back in the course of this amazing adventure.
"New York City has a special vicinity in my coronary heart and I will always be a fan and could watch the games even as in Scotland.”
Sands made his Major League Soccer debut in 2017 underneath then-head educate Patrick Vieira. He speedy set up himself as a essential starter, turning into essential for Ronny Deila over the last few years.
Internationally, Sands has established himself for Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT squad, making seven appearances with the senior group and forming part of the Gold Cup-prevailing squad from remaining summer time.
“I need to thank James for everything he has finished for the membership," stated sporting director David Lee. "We’ve seen him develop up in front of our eyes given that making history with the aid of turning into our first homegrown signing in 2017. He has turn out to be an vital part of our crew and his quality and adulthood is special for a participant of his age.
"James’ paintings ethic and versatility to play several positions has been key to the group’s capability to be flexible and provide depth whilst wanted. James is a true professional on-and-off the sector, playing constantly at a excessive stage and placing an instance for all our Academy gamers that want to comply with in his footsteps."
