Lecce striker Lameck Banda vows never to return to Italy

On a Thursday evening, Lameck Banda posted two Instagram stories that showed the 25‑year‑old Zambian sprinting and lifting weights in a Lusaka gym, his first public appearance since a silent spell that began on 23 July. The striker, who belongs to Serie A side Lecce, used the posts to confirm he has no intention of returning to Italy.

Banda missed the scheduled training restart on 12 July and also failed to report for the pre‑season camp that began three days later in Austria. Lecce announced on 21 July that the player cited "logistical and administrative problems" as the reason for his absence.

During the off‑season the forward married in June and travelled back to his home country. He was photographed from behind at Lusaka airport on 23 July, after which no further contact was made with the club, his agents or teammates.

Sporting director Stefano Trinchera told La dello Sport that the situation was "really very unusual" and that the club was beginning to consider a personal problem rather than a tactical ploy.

Banda’s contract, signed in 2022 for four years and set to expire on 30 June, included a one‑year option. According to sources, Lecce extended the deal without his consent, a move the player described as "unacceptable" because he never signed the Italian‑language document.

Bolanews reported that Saudi Arabian club Al‑Fateh offered 2.5 million euros for the striker, an offer rejected by Lecce, which values him between 5 and 7 million euros.

A source added that Banda has not received his salary or his match‑winning bonus for a month, forcing him to pay rent in Italy and leaving him frustrated with the club’s handling of his payments.

Lecce has imposed fines for his absences and is now contemplating a salary reduction or even contract termination, while also considering a claim for damages due to reputational harm and a loss in market value. APorté disparu depuis mi-juillet, the club’s statement published in Italie)Aujourd'hui highlighted the growing tension.

La situation remains volatile as both parties navigate legal and sporting repercussions.