The January transfer window is open and the first American has already made a move: James Sands moved from New York City FC to St. Pauli on a six-month loan. The move will be Sands’ second foray into European football after a loan spell with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, but the NYCFC man likely won’t be the only American to move during the winter transfer window.
2025 is a critical year for hopefuls to make the United States men’s national team because it is the last full year before the 2026 World Cup. With the January camp, the Concacaf Nations League and the Copa Gold, there will be plenty of opportunities to impress Mauricio Pochettino, but to do so, players will need to be in situations with their clubs to have a chance.
Let’s take a look at some moves that have happened and those that should
Players who have moved
James Sands on loan from New York City FC to FC St. Pauli: Going to a newly promoted team, Sands will have the opportunity to be thrown straight into the pressure cooker, which is a huge development opportunity. Only 24 Sands has room to grow, but his time at Rangers is a warning. Sands only played 24 league games during his time there struggling to establish himself as a starter. As Sands develops as a player, this could be his chance to show that he belongs in Europe and not Major League Soccer. While there are worse fallback options than returning to NYCFC, this Rangers-like period could lead to that being his future. Grade: C
Players who must move
Ricardo Pepi (PSV): A young striker who has done everything possible with the opportunities he has been given, realistically it would be best for Pepi to stay at PSV but more than anything he needs to be a regular starter. There is a great opportunity to start at number nine for the USMNT, but to grow, Pepi needs to play against guys for 90 minutes instead of coming off the bench with tired legs. If PSV decided to move on from Luuk de Jong, Pepi would be in the perfect situation, but if that doesn’t happen soon, a loan makes sense.
John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls): While there is unfinished business in New York after failing to win the MLS Cup, Tolkin doesn’t have much left to prove in MLS. He is coming off a season in which he scored two goals and assisted two more while defending strongly. Able to play in a back five or back four, it is a great opportunity for Tolkin to move to a bigger club to grow by defending against the best players in the world. With Antonee Robinson not having a backup at left back for the USMNT, it is an opportunity for him to cement his place while also adding to Pochettino’s available depth.
Luca De La Torre (Celta de Vigo): It has been a tough season for the American midfielder, who has had to deal with an ankle injury and losing his starting spot at the club. So far this season he has only played 30 minutes in all competitions, he is someone who needs to play. With a style suited for the USMNT under Pochettino, De La Torre is someone who has a lot to gain if he finds himself in the right situation. Having proven he can contribute in a top-five league, there’s no reason De La Torre can’t find a new home.
