New York City FC: James Sands European interest a positive

Ronny Deila has revealed that it will be difficult for New York City FC to repel European interest in James Sands. That, however, is a positive. Here is why.

New York City FC have developed some of the best players to come from Major League Soccer. Gio Reyna and Joe Scally have already secured European moves, they signed Keaton Parks as a young and developing first-team player, while academy product James Sands broke into the senior set-up last season and is set to play a key role this season.

Sands’ performances, though, have not gone unnoticed. From his versatility in playing in midfield and defence to his defensive ability and composure in possession, Sands has proven himself to be worthy of senior football at the MLS level.

More from MLS Multiplex

• Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
• Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
• USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
• De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
• Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States

And his manager, Ronny Deila, is quite aware of the growing interest in his teenage sensation. Speaking to reporters this week via mlssoccer.com, Deila revealed that it will be difficult for New York City FC to deny Sands a move to Europe should the impending approaches arrive this summer and beyond:

"“If he continues to progress like he’s doing now, it will be hard to keep him. Clubs in Europe are going to be there. James is a big prospect, I’m very impressed by him as a player and his personality. He has all the discipline and mental strength that you need to become a really good player. I think James is going to be an important player for us.”"

Sands would have earned such interest. While the step up from MLS to European football is still a major hurdle for young players making the switch to overcome, he is now a first-team regular in a senior professional league at just 19. Irrespective of the standard of the league, that will attract many teams in Europe.

For NYCFC, this may seem problematic. Losing a young, improving player who is ready to play regularly is not seemingly ideal. But for MLS teams, this, as Don Garber has expressed previously, is a positive process. The acquiring, developing, and ultimately selling of young players can help fund a football club, while providing the first team with high-level players.

NYCFC’s local rivals have mastered this system over the years. FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake are other MLS teams who have excellent youth development systems. They then exploit that in two ways: selling players on for significant profit which can then be reinvested in the senior squad; or simply filling out the senior squad with the young players themselves, players that are cheaper to acquire, cheaper to pay, and are steeped in the history of the club and tactics and identity of the team.

New York City FC, then, may bemoan the prospects of losing Sands, a key player and young prospect. But in reality, it is a positive development for the club. It shows progression, an embracing of the modern game, and a development of the club.