James Abankwah: 'I'm buzzing and absolutely delighted that the deal is done'

James Abankwah

James Abankwah Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)

Teenage centre back James Abankwah has joined Serie A side Udinese from St Patrick’s Athletic for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old will immediately return to the Saints on loan until July while he completes his Leaving Certificate exams in June.

Abankwah burst onto the scene for the Inchicore side making 13 senior appearances – 8 starts and 5 sub appearances - for the club in 2021 while he also picked up an FAI Cup winners medal, coming on for Paddy Barrett in the Aviva showpiece.

The Ireland underage international was only 17 when he came on in front of almost 40,000 supporters at the Aviva Stadium last November as he won his first senior trophy, helping the Saints to claim the FAI Cup against Bohemians.

The Longford native joined the Saints from Cherry Orchard in 2019. Tipped for stardom at a young age, he won a league and cup double with the under 15s before winning an under 19 league title, three years above his age group.

He then signed his first professional contract last July and made his league debut that week against Derry City.

Abankwah was very excited about making the move to the Bianconeri.

“I'm buzzing and absolutely delighted that the deal is done,” he told St Pat’s media team.

“I found out last week about the interest, flew out on Monday, had my medical on Tuesday and signed today so I'm really looking forward to it. The people here are lovely, they've been very welcoming, the city is very nice.

“I'm feeling very happy right now and I'm lost for words, I'd like to thank St Pat's, Cherry Orchard, Melview FC and Letterkenny Rovers. I'm looking forward to getting going and still have a big six months at St Pat's and my Leaving Cert."

New manager Tim Clancy was delighted for the youngster and is happy to have him for the next six months.



"It's an unbelievable opportunity for James and a brilliant move. He has a high ceiling and can go very far in the game, he's got great potential, it's good for all parties and we still get his services until the summer after his Leaving Cert."

Udinese are currently languishing in 15th place in Serie A, just seven points above the relegation zone on 24 points from their opening 22 league games. They are also without a win in their last four games in all competitions including crashing out of the Coppa Italia to Lazio and losing 6-2 at home to European hopefuls Atalanta.

The Black and White are famous for once boasting Antonio Di Natale and Zico in their ranks and have also played key roles in the development of Alexis Sanchez and Bruno Fernandes in the past.

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