Zambian winger Lameck Banda does not want to return to Italian side US Lecce after the club reportedly extended his contract against his wishes, sources close to the player have told BolaNews.
Despite claims circulating on social media that Banda is missing, BolaNews has established that the 25-year-old is in Lusaka and has no intention of returning to Italy. Sources say he is frustrated with the manner in which Lecce extended his contract without what he believes was mutual agreement.
Banda joined Lecce in 2022 on a four-year contract that included an option for a further year.
His initial deal expired on June 30, 2026, but Lecce activated the option to extend his contract until June 2027.
“Banda is not happy with the way his contract has been handled. He has worked for them but they have not treated him right. They extended his contract without his consent which is not right, no notification whatsoever. He is not happy,” the source told BolaNews.
Italian media, however, reports that Lecce held a unilateral option to extend Banda’s contract until June 30, 2027, which the club exercised. However, BolaNews’ source maintains that the club did not have the sole right to extend the agreement without Banda’s approval.
“There is a feeling that the club is taking advantage of his inability to read Italian language; they made him sign on a piece of paper written in Italian which he did not understand.”
The source further claimed that Banda is owed one month’s salary and has also not received his winning bonus from his last match, further adding to the winger’s frustration.
“They have not paid him his salary for a month and also his winning bonuses. He pays rent for himself in Italy, he is frustrated and feels he deserves better treatment,” the source revealed.
Saudi Club Want Banda
Meanwhile, according to Italian journalist Pierpaolo Verri, the Zambian international is attracting interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Fateh.
Lecce reportedly received an offer worth €2.5 million from Al-Fateh but rejected it, with the Italian club valuing Banda at between €5 million and €7 million.
As it stands, Banda remains in Zambia and is not communicating with either his agent or Lecce because he feels that no one is putting his interests first, BolaNews has been reliably informed.
On Tuesday last week, Lecce threatened to take disciplinary action against Banda over his delayed return to Italy for pre-season.
The club revealed that the Zambian winger informed them that the logistical and bureaucratic challenges were preventing his return, but since then they have not heard from him.
