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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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James Abankwah played for Letterkenny Rovers as a seven-year-old
Former Letterkenny Rovers defender James Abankwah has signed for Italian Serie A side Udinese.
The current Ireland under-19 international played for the Leckview club in 2011 as a seven-year-old under coaches Michael Boyle and Brian Gallagher. Abankwah, who turned 18 earlier this month and was born in Letterkenny, has signed a deal with the Serie A outfit that runs until 2026, from St Patrick's Athletic.
The fee is "six figures" but reported to be more than the €500,000 paid by Manchester City to Shamrock Rovers for Gavin Bazunu.
“I’m buzzing and absolutely delighted that the deal is gone,” said Abankwah, who joined Pat’s from Cherry Orchard but will stay at the Inchicore club until the summer on loan, to enable him complete his Leaving Certificate in June.
“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.”
Letterkenny Rovers passed on their congratulations to their former player:
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