St Patrick's Athletic have confirmed that defender James Abankwah has joined Serie A side Udinese for what is believed to be a League of Ireland record up-front fee.
The 18-year-old has signed a deal with the Italian side following an impressive breakthrough season that saw him make 13 appearances in all competitions for the Athletic.
He will stay with Tim Clancy's Saints for the first half of the season and complete his Leaving Cert before making the move to the northern Italian city to link up with their first team.
