Zambian winger Lameck Banda is unwilling to return to Italian Serie A side US Lecce after a dispute over his contract extension, with sources close to the player telling BolaNews that he feels the club acted without his approval.
Contrary to reports circulating on social media suggesting the Zambia international is missing, BolaNews understands that the 25-year-old is currently in Lusaka and has deliberately stayed away from Lecce as the disagreement over his future intensifies.
Banda joined the Italian club in 2022 on a four-year contract that included an option for an additional year. His original deal expired on June 30, 2026, before Lecce exercised the extension clause to keep him under contract until June 2027.
However, sources close to the player claim Banda believes the extension was activated without his consent.
“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. There was no notification whatsoever. He is not happy,” the source told BolaNews.
Italian reports indicate Lecce held a unilateral option to extend the agreement until June 2027. However, Banda’s camp disputes that interpretation, insisting the extension should not have been completed without the player’s approval.
The source further alleged that Banda may have signed documents written entirely in Italian without fully understanding their contents.
“There is a feeling that the club is taking advantage of his inability to read the Italian language. They made him sign a document written in Italian which he did not understand.”
Wage and Bonus Dispute
The player’s frustration is also said to stem from financial issues.
According to the source, Banda is still owed one month’s salary as well as a winning bonus from his final appearance for the club.
“They have not paid him his salary for a month and also his winning bonuses. He pays rent for himself in Italy, and he feels he deserves better treatment.”
Saudi Interest Remains Strong
Despite the ongoing dispute, Banda continues to attract interest from abroad.
Italian journalist Pierpaolo Verri of Pianeta Lecce reports that Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh have submitted an offer worth €2.5 million for the winger. Lecce are understood to have rejected the proposal, valuing the Zambian international at between €5 million and €7 million.
BolaNews has also learned that Banda has currently cut communication with both his agent and Lecce officials, believing neither party is adequately protecting his interests during the dispute.
Last week, Lecce warned they could take disciplinary action after Banda failed to report for pre-season. The club said the winger had initially cited logistical and bureaucratic challenges for his delayed return but claimed they had not received further communication since then.
With tensions continuing to rise, Banda’s future at Lecce appears increasingly uncertain as the transfer window progresses.
