The January transfer window has opened and the first American has already made the move, with James Sands joining St. Pauli from New York City FC on a six-month spell. The move will be Sands’ second foray into European football following a loan spell at Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, but the NYCFC man is unlikely to be the only American to move during the winter transfer window.
2025 is a crucial year for those hoping to make the United States Men’s National Team as it is the last full year before the 2026 World Cup. With January camp, the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup all taking place, there will There are plenty of opportunities to impress Mauricio Pochettino, but to do that players will have to be in situations with their clubs to actually get a chance.
Let’s look at some of the moves that have happened and also the moves that should happen
Players who have moved
James Sands on loan from New York City FC to FC St. Pauli: Moving to a newly promoted team gives Sands the opportunity to be thrown straight into the pressure cooker, which is a great opportunity for development. At just 24 years old, there is room for Sands to grow, but his spell at Rangers is a cautionary tale. Sands played just 24 league games during his time there and struggled to establish himself as a starter. As Sands develops as a player, this could be his chance to prove he belongs in Europe rather than Major League Soccer. While there are worse fallback options than returning to NYCFC, this spell that plays out similarly to the Rangers could result in that being his future. Grade: C
Players who need to move
Ricardo Pepi (PSV): A young striker who has done everything he can with the opportunities he has been given. Realistically, it would be best for Pepi to stay at PSV, but above all he needs to start consistently. There is a good chance to start at ninth for the USMNT, but to grow Pepi needs to play 90 minutes against guys instead of coming off the bench with tired legs. If PSV were to decide to sign Luuk de Jong, Pepi would be in the perfect situation, but if that doesn’t happen soon, a loan would make sense.
John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls): While there is unfinished business in New York after failing to win the MLS Cup, there isn’t much left for Tolkin to prove in MLS. He is coming off a season in which he scored two goals and provided two more assists while defending strongly. Being able to play in a back five or a back four, this is a great opportunity for Tolkin to move to a bigger club and grow by competing against the best players in the world. With Antonee Robinson without a backup at left back for the USMNT, this is an opportunity for him to cement his spot while increasing Pochettino’s available depth.
Luca De La Torre (Celta Vigo): It has been a tough season for the American midfielder, who has struggled with an ankle injury and lost his role as a starter for the club. He has only played 30 minutes in all competitions this season and is someone who needs to play. With a style that suits the USMNT under Pochettino, De La Torre is someone who has a lot to gain if he can find himself in the right situation. Having already shown he can contribute in the top five, there is no reason why De La Torre cannot find a new home.