Lecce says forward Lameck Banda missing from preseason camp

Zambian winger Lameck Banda, who is owned by Serie A club U.S. Lecce, failed to join the team's pre‑season training in Bad Loipersdorf, Austria. The club confirmed that Banda has not been heard from for several days after his last sighting at Lusaka airport following his wedding. Technical area manager Stefano Trinchera said the player will face disciplinary and possible financial sanctions. Coach Eusebio Di Francesco had counted on Banda as a key attacker after he contributed five goals and four assists last season.

With Banda absent, Lecce has begun scouting replacements, targeting Young Boys forward Alan Virginius, whose transfer fee is reported to be just over €5 million. Other interested clubs include Genoa, German side Paderborn and Belgian club Anderlecht. The club indicated it will continue to summon Banda for medical examinations while it evaluates its options for the upcoming Serie A campaign.