James Sands had been having a rather challenging start to life in Glasgow as he looks to enjoy a positive loan spell from New York City FC.

There has been plenty of criticism regarding the American’s performances in some games with some describing them as if he were a duck out of the water, however, there has been some support regarding his short stay at Ibrox thus far.

Indeed, NYCFC will be hoping that the center-back’s performances continue to improve as time goes on and he finds his feet within European football, as it could provide them with a number of benefits in the future, should he return to the Big Apple.

NYCFC will benefit from Sands’ loan at the Rangers

Given that the defender is still only 22 years old, Sands is still at a very early stage of his career and is still learning his trade. He has been able to experience a vast amount of football at this age, though, so some might suggest a try in European competition would be the next best step for him to take.

He was a regular in the Pigeons’ team last season where he enjoyed a total of 26 appearances for NYCFC in the MLS - the most he has been able to make in a season for the club since joining in 2017. Those performances led to a call-up into the USMNT where he has been able to acquire seven caps as a member of Greg Berhalter’s side.

Since making the move to Glasgow in January 2022 on an 18-month loan with the option for a permanent transfer by the Scottish giants, the defender has been able to play a part-time role for the Gers under Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox.

So, as he is playing for the Light Blues at the moment, how can NYCFC be able to benefit from a player that is no longer turning out in its colors? Well, there are three different suggestions that can be made:

Potentially cash in on him

Of course, the first of the potential benefits that can have a positive impact on NYCFC is the fact that the club could potentially reap some financial rewards for the player. As highlighted above, the deal involving Sands includes a potential buy clause. This is thought to be worth $6 million (£4.5 million); a tidy sum for the MLS outfit which could then be used to potentially acquire new players and help further strengthen the squad that they have.

Improve him for the next MLS season

If Rangers are not to take up the buy option and decide to send him back to the Big Apple, it should not necessarily be seen as a negative for New York City FC - although we will also describe why some might consider it to be a drawback below.

Should Sands return, it will mean the franchise will be able to get a player back into their team that would have plenty of experience and could potentially help improve further, even if they perhaps feel as though they may not need it at the current moment.

Indeed, with the club currently second in the Eastern Conference and just three points behind the Philadelphia Union with an extra game to play, there is a lot of confidence in the team; confidence that is being shared between fans and even sports betting platforms and enthusiasts.

If you take a look at the Caesars NY odds for the MLS side, there is plenty of optimism regarding a successful season for those in the Big Apple, with the club being valued highly to be crowned outright winners at this stage.

According to the odds made available, NYCFFC is the second favorite to win outright, with odds of +400 being offered and ahead of the Union (+600); Los Angeles FC is favorite at +225 currently.

The club could fetch more money from him

Again, if Rangers decide not to trigger the clause and activate it at the end of his loan - or beforehand - then NYCFC could look to potentially try and get more money for him if he is able to continue to prove himself as a competent defender.

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the horizon and it likely that he will be involved with the USMNT for the tournament, there will be many eyes on him, and if he performs, then there may be significant interest in his name and a potentially bigger fee than the rumored $6m that could be made. Of course, this does depend on what the Glaswegians decide to do, and if he is playing well, this could be detrimental to the American football club…

How could Sands’ loan at Rangers be a negative for NYCFC?

Admittedly, it does not appear as though the New Yorkers are currently missing Sands from their squad given how well they are doing in the MLS this season, therefore some may find that it is difficult to find how the loan at Rangers will do anything other than benefit them.

However, aside from actually being on the pitch, the loan could come to haunt them in another way, especially if the 22-year-old is able to show everyone what he is capable of achieving.

The $6m buy-option has to be considered, as this could prove to be a rather costly mistake for the club, as the USMNT player might have a stellar campaign that would suggest he is worth a lot more than that, especially if he helps Rangers to silverware and his National Team to a successful World Cup.

Of course, this is something that the club would have likely considered, and they probably felt that $6m was a fair price for him. However, there is always the potential that they could miss out on a bigger price.

Final Thoughts

There is no denying that making transfers with buy options can be a game of roulette, as they can work either way. Nonetheless, you would have to feel that James Sands’ loan to Rangers will benefit NYCFC in more ways than one; even if he were to return to the club at the end of the 18-month period.