Return to Inchicore from Udinese for James Abankwah would provide much-needed game time
Republic of Ireland U21 defender James Abankwah is under contract with Udinese until 2026.
Ireland U21 cap James Abankwah could be on his way back to St Patrick’s Athletic from Italy on loan.
The defender is under contract with Udinese until 2026 but for now faces an uncertain future there as he bids to get first team football.
Abankwah was sent out on loan to League One side Charlton last season but the move was a disaster as he played just twice and the Italian side recalled him before the loan officially expired.
He was then drafted into Udinese’s U19 side and helped them win promotion in their league.
As he’s overage now at 20, that’s no longer an option for the coming season.
Udinese had asked for expressions of interest in a loan from lower-league clubs in Italy but reports in Italy claim that discussions have already taken place with former club Pat’s about a loan deal.
Abankwah signed for Udinese from Pat’s in January 2022 but stayed on in Dublin for the first half of the 2022 season, on loan, so he could complete his Leaving Certificate.
He made his league debut as a sub late in the 2022/2023 season and then made one start in Serie A but did not feature for the first team last term.
A move back to Inchicore would give him first team football and also exposure in European competition, as the Saints play Liechtenstein club Vaduz in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League later this month.
Saints boss Stephen Kenny has already beefed up his defence with the signing of full back Al-Amin Kazeem from Galway United and keeper Joseph Anang.
