New York City FC loaned homegrown midfielder James Sands to the German Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli.

The loan announced Wednesday runs through June 30, but can be extended through 2025-26 if certain conditions are met.

NYCFC previously loaned Sands to Rangers FC of the Scottish Premiership for 41 matches from 2022-23.

"We are really pleased for James that he has earned this opportunity to play for a fantastic club in the Bundesliga," sporting director David Lee said.

"When James returned from his loan at Rangers in 2023, he was always clear that in the future he wanted the opportunity to return to Europe and we agreed that we would be supportive of those ambitions at the right time. This is an incredible opportunity for James to play in one of the top-five European leagues."

Sands, 24, has appeared in 120 MLS matches (116 starts) for NYCFC since 2017, posting one goal and six assists. He was an All-Star in 2021 and a starter for New York City's MLS Cup championship squad that season.

"After two years in New York, I feel like it's the right time to make a move back to Europe, and very much looking forward to testing myself and experiencing a new league," said Sands, who is signed with NYCFC through 2028. "I wish my teammates and the club all the best of luck in the upcoming season."

St. Pauli earned promotion to the Bundesliga by winning the German second-division title last season. The team is in 14th place in the 18-team league.

"James Sands offers an exciting mix of athleticism and footballing ability," St. Pauli director of sport Andreas Bornemann said. "Another positive aspect is that he can be deployed both in central holding midfield and central defense."

Information from Reuters and The Associated Press was used in this story.