James Abankwah says he is ‘lost for words’ after sealing his move to Udinese from St Pat’s.
The 18-year-old has joined the Serie A side on a three-and-a-half year deal and is expected to go straight into the first-team squad.
Saints have pocketed an initial fee in the region of €400,000 but with scope to at least double that with add ons over time.
Abankwah - who will be loaned back to St Pat’s until the summer - said: "I'm buzzing and absolutely delighted that the deal is gone.
“I found out last week about the interest, flew out on Monday, had my medical on Tuesday and signed today so I'm really looking forward to it.
“The people here are lovely, they've been very welcoming, the city is very nice. I'm feeling very happy right now and I'm lost for words.”
Abankwah adde: “I'd like to thank St Pat's, Cherry Orchard, Melview FC and Letterkenny Rovers.
“I'm looking forward to getting going and still have a big six months at St Pat's and my Leaving Cert."
Abankwah joined St Pat’s from Cherry Orchard in 2019 and was immediately fast tracked through the ranks.
He broke into the first-team last season and made 13 appearances, including an appearance off the bench in the FAI Cup final win over Bohemians.
St Pat’s academy director and former club captain Ger O’Brien said: "James joined our Academy as a young boy and has matured into one of the top centre-backs in the country over the last three years.
“I have always had the belief that James could make the step into professional football outside Ireland and he now has that opportunity in Italy.
“It's been a fantastic eight months for him since he signed his first professional contract last July.
“He made his first team debut as a 17-year-old, he also played a key a role towards the end of the season in the first team and also represented Ireland at U18 and U19 level.
“We will continue to help and develop James in the next number of months and we'll watch with interest when he moves to Italy, we are very proud of him and his family."
And new St Pat’s manager Tim Clancy said: "It's an unbelievable opportunity for James and a brilliant move.
“He has a high ceiling and can go very far in the game - he's got great potential, it's good for all parties and we still get his services until the summer after his Leaving Cert."
Meanwhile, Drogheda United have signed goalkeeper Sam Long and defender Sean Roughan on loan from Lincoln City.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
