SNS GroupRangers have agreed to terminate the loan of USA international James Sands to allow him to return to parent club New York City FC.
Sands had moved to Ibrox in January 2022 on an 18-month loan deal, with Rangers holding an option to buy the versatile player at the end of the loan.
The 22-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, played 41 games for the Light Blues over the past year, including in the Europa League final. At the start of this season, with the squad hit by injuries, he played regularly at centre-back under Giovanni van Bronckhorst but he has had little game time under new manager Michael Beale.
The decision has been taken to permit Sands to head back to New York and compete for regular football in MLS, where the new season started last weekend.
Rangers manager Michael Beale said that the agreement was one that suited all concerned.
“I would like to thank James for his time at Rangers,” he said. “He was a well-liked player in our squad and I enjoyed working with him on a daily basis. I believe he will go on to have an excellent career.
“The opportunity to return to NYCFC for the start of the MLS season, where he will be a key player in their squad, was something that we felt was correct for all parties.
“Everyone at Rangers wishes him well moving forwards.”
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