James Abankwah swaps Udinese for Charlton to boost Ireland U21 prospects

The Republic of Ireland U21s kick-off their Euro 2025 qualifiers against Turkey and San Marino at Turner’s Cross this week.

ON THE MOVE: James Abankwah poses for a portrait during a Republic of Ireland U21 media event at Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

James Abankwah will hopefully go on to have a long, successful career in football and if he does, it is unlikely he will have a busier few days than the last five or so.

The 19-year-old woke up on Thursday morning a Udinese player but by the time he could catch his breath after Ireland U21 training in Dublin on Monday afternoon, he had taken care of some significant business in London.