James Sands had European opportunities before Rangers contract termination – NYCFC sporting director
James Sands had options to continue his career in European football before Rangers decided to terminate his contract, according to New York City’s sporting director David Lee.
The midfielder joined the club under Giovanni van Bronckhorst on an 18-month loan deal from the MLS and had played in midfield and central defence since his arrival last year in January.
There was a £5m ($6m) clause to make the deal permanent, according to MLS journalist Tom Bogert in June 2022, but because the player had been deemed surplus to requirements under Michael Beale since his appointment, the club decided to terminate his loan deal.
And speaking to the NYCFC’s official website [as transcribed by FootballScotland, 1 March], Lee confirmed the club had offers from Europe to take Sands from the Gers.
He said: “I’d like to thank Ross Wilson and Rangers FC for their cooperation in allowing James to return now and wish them the best of luck for the remainder of their season.
“His time with Rangers has enhanced his development and we are excited for him now to return to New York and play a critical role for our Club in 2023 and beyond.
“It was a priority for us to try and ensure James returned to New York this season.
“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.
Good riddance
It is safe to say Sands didn’t enjoy the best of times at the Ibrox, and many Gers fans will be screaming good riddance as the club finally cuts short his loan spell.
It is indeed a smart move by the club as Sands simply struggled to hold down a regular place under Michael Beale. With such a bloated squad at his disposal, the American was simply one of the first to be shown the door.
£5m is a lot of money to Scottish Premiership clubs and to Rangers, and there was no way the Light Blues were going to pay that fee for a player who struggled to impress ever since he walked through the Ibrox doors in January 2022.
It is a shame it had to end the way it did, but it was a necessary one for the progression of all parties in this deal.
In other Rangers news, veteran ace “almost certain” to leave Ibrox this summer according to one report.