*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:13, 5 October 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 19:12, 15 October 2024 (UTC)
Abankwah was born in Waterford,[1] where he lived with his family before moving to Celbridge, then to Lucan before moving to Letterkenny where he began playing football with local side Letterkenny Rovers in 2011.[2][3] He later moved to Longford with his family, where he played for local club Melview FC, where he also represented Longford at the prestigious Kennedy Cup youth tournament at Under-14 level in 2016, before the family moved again, returning to Lucan in Ireland's capital, Dublin.[4] While still living in Longford, Abankwah signed for top Dublin schoolboy club Cherry Orchard, travelling to Dublin training by lifts from his parents and occasionally by bus, aged 12.[5] It was there where his performances attracted the interest of scouts from local League of Ireland club St Patrick's Athletic who signed Abankwah for their Under-15 team in January 2019, aged 14.[6] On 24 October 2019, Abankwah was part of the side that won the Under-15 League of Ireland title, as they defeated rivals Shamrock Rovers 2–1 at Tallaght Stadium to claim the trophy.[7] A month later they defeated the same opposition in the Under-15 Cup final on penalties at Richmond Park to win the double.[8] In 2020, he was promoted straight to the Under-19 team, three years above his age group, where on 22 December 2020, he was part of the team that won the League of Ireland U19 Division Final, beating rivals Bohemians 2–1 after extra time at the UCD Bowl to secure a UEFA Youth League spot for the club.[9]
St Patrick's Athletic
2021 season
On 7 July 2021, Abankwah signed his first professional contract at League of Ireland Premier Division side St Patrick's Athletic, having impressed for the club's academy teams.[10] He made his senior debut just two days later aged just 17 when he came off the bench for Alfie Lewis in the 62nd minute of a 1–0 win over Derry City.[11] His first start for the club was on 3 September 2021, a 3–2 win over Longford Town.[12] On 28 November 2021, he became the youngest ever player to appear in an FAI Cup Final at 17 years old[13] when he replaced Paddy Barrett in the 80th minute of the 2021 FAI Cup Final, as his side defeated rivals Bohemians 4–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time in front of a record FAI Cup Final crowd of 37,126 at the Aviva Stadium.[14][15] He made a total of 13 appearances in all competitions during the 2021 season, his first in senior football.[16]
2022 season
On 25 January 2022, it was announced that the club had sold Abankwah to Italian Serie A side Udinese for an undisclosed fee believed to a record fee paid for a League of Ireland player,[17][18] believed to be in the region of €800,000 plus add ons.[19][20] As part of the transfer, he was loaned back to St Patrick's Athletic until 30 June 2022, in order to allow him complete his Leaving Certificate exams at his school, Adamstown Community College, alongside playing for the club.[21][19] Before the season started, manager Tim Clancy stated that there were no ‘no limitations’ set out by Udinese on Abankwah's playing time, while he also mentioned ‘It’ll be a pleasure to work with him’ during his loan.[22]
On 25 January 2022, it was announced that Abankwah had signed for Serie A club Udinese on a four-and-a-half-year contract.[25] Ahead of joining up with the team in the summer of 2022, Abankwah revealed that he was taking Italian language lessons twice a week.[26] Abankwah made his unofficial debut for the club on 13 July 2022, playing the second half of an 11–0 friendly win over Rapid Lienz.[27] On 20 July 2022, it was announced that Abankwah's squad number would be the number 14.[28] Abankwah made his debut for the club on 2 April 2023, replacing Sandi Lovrić from the bench in a defeat away to Bologna.[29] He then made his first Serie A start on 4 June, in a 0–1 loss against Juventus, with manager Andrea Sottil stating after the match that Abankwah was one of the players that are "the future of Udinese".[30]
Charlton Athletic (loan)
On 1 September 2023, Abankwah joined League One club Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan.[31] Shortly after moving, Abankwah stated "Udinese were good enough to let me go, to play more games. I felt like England was the best place to go. I feel great about the move. It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m ready to step into Charlton and give it my best shot."[32] He made his debut on 16 September in a 1–1 draw away to Stevenage at Broadhall Way, playing at right back.[33] On 22 December 2023, it was reported that Abankwah's loan had been terminated having only made three first team appearances in all competitions since arriving.[34] Udinese officially confirmed Abankwah's return to the club on 29 January 2024.[35][36]
