Introduction: The S15 season is nearing its end, with the majority of players paying attention to the recent competitions. Hosting the Worlds on home turf, the LPL region saw a repeat of the S7 disaster, while two LCK teams faced off in the finals, locking in the championship early. Now in the LPL offseason, transfer rumors dominate discussions. AD carry AShu revealed on stream that once players enter the transfer pool, they have no idea who their future teammates will be. He might even take a break next season, and AL team has yet to finalize contract renewals.

LPL Winter Transfer Updates Summary

Most players are quite familiar with the LPL region. Once a top-tier league, the number of LPL teams has increased significantly over the years, causing elite players to be spread thin and overall performance to decline. The region hasn’t won a world championship in many years. This season’s competition was particularly bleak: four teams participated in the World Championship, but only two reached the quarterfinals, and none advanced to the final. Meanwhile, two LCK teams met in the final, deciding the champion beforehand. Many fans believe the LPL’s popularity will sharply drop in S16, with fewer people paying attention to the matches.

To change this situation, the league made many adjustments during the winter transfer period. AD carry AShu disclosed transfer details during a stream, saying next year’s plans are uncertain, though there is definitely a player pool. If you play, you enter the pool for bidding, but you won’t know your teammates in advance. According to multiple sources, teams first negotiate renewals; if successful, players sign contracts directly. If not, players become free agents entering the pool. From AShu’s remarks, is he planning not to renew with TES?

He also mentioned needing to address health issues after this season ends, unsure if he will continue playing next year, wanting to live longer. Indeed, his tinnitus seems to be worsening, with ringing even when not training. Players refusing to enter the bidding pool face suspensions during the first two splits and can only return in the third split. This feels almost like retirement, as the game changes rapidly; missing two splits could leave players out of sync with their teams. If AShu retires, the LPL will truly face a dark period.

Additionally, during the stream, Zhu Kai revealed updates about RNG and FPX teams. FPX has officially exited the league; they attempted to withdraw last season but were denied. RNG’s situation differs, as the league officially bought their spot, but whether it will be released remains to be seen. Meanwhile, AL team insiders say the manager Aixiang confirmed no contract talks have started yet since the season just ended, advising players to rest. It seems AL might fail to renew contracts, as player values have risen, making low-salary retention difficult.

Farewell Thoughts

Although the official transfer window hasn’t opened yet, team managements have already taken action. The S16 season is expected to be very bleak. How should the LPL region transform? The officials haven’t figured it out. There was hope this time, but BLG and IG both fell before the playoffs. Honestly, BLG reaching the quarterfinals felt easier than TES, who got swept 3-0 by T1 so quickly.

What do all of you viewers think about this situation?