Republic of Ireland defender of Ghanaian descent, James Abankwah, has completed a loan move to English Championship side Watford for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
The 21-year-old centre-back joined the Hornets from Italian Serie A club Udinese on Thursday, January 16.
Watford confirmed the signing in an official statement, expressing their excitement over securing the services of the promising defender.
“Watford FC is pleased to announce the loan signing of Republic of Ireland Under-21 international defender James Abankwah. The 21-year-old joins the Hornets on a deal until the end of the season from Udinese,” the club said.
Abankwah, who has experience in English football, spent part of the 2023/24 season on loan at Charlton Athletic in League One, where he gained valuable first-team experience.
This season, he has made eight appearances for Udinese in Serie A before moving to Watford.
The young defender, who has represented Ireland at every level from Under-16 to Under-21, is eager to make his mark at Vicarage Road.
James Abankwah will wear the number 25 shirt for Watford and is available for selection in their next match against Derby County on Saturday, January 18.
Although he has represented the Republic at various levels, he is still eligible to play for the Black Stars of Ghana.
