US Lecce Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for US Lecce as the club continues to build a competitive squad capable of making waves in Serie A and beyond. Known for their passionate fanbase and commitment to nurturing talent, Lecce has assembled a balanced roster featuring a mix of experienced veterans, promising youngsters, and shrewd signings. This season’s squad reflects a strategic approach to recruitment, blending defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the squad, categorized by position, highlighting each player’s background, achievements, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
1. Wladimiro Falcone
- Nationality: Italian
- Former Clubs: Sampdoria, Juventus (youth), SPAL (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €4 million (2023)
Wladimiro Falcone has established himself as Lecce’s first-choice goalkeeper following his permanent move from Sampdoria. A towering presence at 6’5”, Falcone combines exceptional reflexes with commanding aerial ability. His distribution has improved significantly, making him a key component in Lecce’s build-up play. Falcone’s leadership and experience in Serie A have been instrumental in organizing the defense, and his penalty-saving prowess has earned him a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable shot-stoppers.
2. Marco Bleve
- Nationality: Italian
- Former Clubs: Lecce youth academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (homegrown)
A product of Lecce’s esteemed youth system, Marco Bleve serves as the primary backup to Falcone. At just 23 years old, Bleve has shown immense potential, particularly in his ability to read the game and make quick decisions under pressure. While his first-team opportunities have been limited, his performances in cup competitions and training have demonstrated his readiness to step up when called upon.
3. Alessandro Russo
- Nationality: Italian
- Former Clubs: Foggia, Crotone (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2022)
Russo provides depth to the goalkeeping department, bringing a wealth of experience from his time in Serie B. Known for his agility and shot-stopping ability, Russo is a reliable option for cup matches and serves as a mentor to younger players in the squad.
Defenders
1. Federico Baschirotto
- Nationality: Italian
- Former Clubs: Ascoli, Virtus Entella
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2022)
Federico Baschirotto has been a rock at the heart of Lecce’s defense since his arrival. A no-nonsense center-back, Baschirotto excels in aerial duels and tackles, often putting his body on the line to block shots. His leadership qualities and ability to read the game have made him a fan favorite, and he has been instrumental in Lecce’s defensive solidity.
2. Marin Pongračić
- Nationality: Croatian
- Former Clubs: Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Torino (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Pongračić brings international experience and technical quality to Lecce’s backline. Comfortable playing out from the back, the Croatian defender is adept at breaking opposition lines with his precise passing. His versatility allows him to slot in as a right-back when needed, adding depth to the defensive unit.
3. Antonino Gallo
- Nationality: Italian
- Former Clubs: Crotone, Reggina
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)
Gallo has emerged as Lecce’s first-choice left-back, combining defensive diligence with attacking flair. His overlapping runs and accurate crosses have been a key feature of Lecce’s play, while his work rate ensures he contributes effectively in both phases of the game.
4. Valentin Gendrey
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Montpellier, Amiens (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2022)
Gendrey has solidified his place as Lecce’s starting right-back, showcasing his defensive tenacity and ability to support the attack. His pace and stamina make him a constant threat on the flank, and his ability to recover quickly has been crucial in neutralizing opposition wingers.
5. Ahmed Touba
- Nationality: Algerian
- Former Clubs: RKC Waalwijk, Lech Poznań
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Touba provides depth in central defense, offering physicality and composure. His ability to play as a left-sided center-back adds balance to the defensive line, and his experience in European competitions has been invaluable.
6. Lorenzo Venuti
- Nationality: Italian
- Former Clubs: Fiorentina, Empoli (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
Venuti is a versatile defender capable of playing across the backline. His technical skills and tactical intelligence make him a valuable asset, particularly in games requiring defensive solidity and positional discipline.
Midfielders
1. Ylber Ramadani
- Nationality: Albanian
- Former Clubs: MTK Budapest, Ferencváros, Aberdeen
- Transfer Fee: €2.2 million (2023)
Ramadani is the engine of Lecce’s midfield, known for his tireless work rate and ability to break up play. His passing range and vision allow him to dictate the tempo, while his leadership qualities have seen him wear the captain’s armband on several occasions.
2. Joan Gonzàlez
Gonzàlez is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who brings energy and creativity to the team. His ability to drive forward with the ball and contribute defensively has made him a key player in Lecce’s midfield setup.
3. Mohamed Kaba
- Nationality: Guinean
- Former Clubs: Paris FC, Troyes
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Kaba is a powerful presence in midfield, combining physicality with technical skill. His ability to win duels and transition quickly from defense to attack has been crucial in Lecce’s counter-attacking style.
4. Rémi Oudin
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Reims, Bordeaux
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Oudin is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in multiple roles. His creativity and set-piece delivery have been vital in unlocking stubborn defenses, while his experience adds depth to the squad.
5. Alexis Blin
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Toulouse, Amiens
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)
Blin is a reliable defensive midfielder who excels in intercepting passes and shielding the backline. His positional awareness and ability to recycle possession make him a key component of Lecce’s tactical setup
Forwards
1. Nikola Krstović
- Nationality: Montenegrin
- Former Clubs: DAC Dunajská Streda, Sparta Prague
- Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (2023)
Krstović is Lecce’s talismanic striker, known for his clinical finishing and intelligent movement. His ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the game has been crucial, and he has already established himself as one of Serie A’s most promising forwards.
2. Roberto Piccoli
- Nationality: Italian
- Former Clubs: Atalanta, Genoa (loan), Spezia (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Piccoli is a versatile forward capable of playing as a center-forward or second striker. His technical skills and eye for goal have made him a valuable asset, particularly in tight games.
3. Lameck Banda
- Nationality: Zambian
- Former Clubs: Arsenal Tula, Nordsjælland
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)
Banda is a pacy winger who terrorizes defenders with his dribbling and direct running. His ability to create chances and score goals has made him a fan favorite, and he continues to improve with each season
4. Pontus Almqvist
- Nationality: Swedish
- Former Clubs: Rostov, Rubin Kazan
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Almqvist is a technically gifted winger with a knack for scoring spectacular goals. His creativity and flair add a different dimension to Lecce’s attack, and he has been a consistent performer in Serie A.
5. Gabriel Strefezza
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Flamengo, SPAL
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2022)
Strefezza is a versatile forward who can play on either wing or as a second striker. His work rate and ability to score from distance have made him a key player in Lecce’s attacking setup.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 US Lecce Squad is a testament to the club’s ambition and strategic planning. With a blend of experienced leaders, emerging talents, and shrewd signings, the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. Each player brings unique qualities to the table, contributing to a cohesive and dynamic unit. As the season unfolds, Lecce fans can look forward to exciting performances and a team that embodies the spirit and passion of the club.