JAMES Abankwah has joined Watford on a loan for a second time.
Abankwah, 21, impressed in his 19 appearances after linking up with the Hornets in January, earning a first call-up to the Ireland senior squad in March.
He is clearly held at a high regard at Vicarage Road[/caption]
And Udinese have agreed to send the defender back to their sister club for the entire campaign this time around as new boss Paulo Pezzolano eyes up a promotion challenge.
Sporting director Gian Luca Nani said: “We saw the impact James had during his last loan period with us and we know that he can have a similar impact on the team.
“Paulo was impressed with his performances and was very keen to work with James.
“The relationship with Udinese has always been a powerful one that has benefitted both clubs overall and we are happy that it has allowed us to bring James back.
“We are content with our work so far in this window but there is still much to do and our immediate concern is strengthening our attacking options in line with Paulo’s input.”
Udinese signed Abankwah in January 2022 after he had shone for St Pat’s, helping them to win the FAI Cup a couple of months previously.
He was loaned back to the Inchicore outfit to enable him to complete his Leaving Cert before moving to Italy that summer.
Abankwah signed for Udinese in 2022 from Irish side St Patrick’s Athletic, who he then returned to on loan.
He has made eight Serie A appearances for them, either side of an unsuccessful stint with Charlton, and was handed a new contract which runs until the summer of 2029.
