Kanavi is unwilling to go back to the LCK.

Since Kanavi experienced several "mental breakdowns" leading to flawed plays during the World Championship, many LPL viewers have mocked him for his "patriotic loyalty." He never made mistakes in domestic leagues or the Asian Games, but whenever playing against LCK teams, Kanavi often made absurd mistakes, such as flashing unnecessarily while jungling, wandering alone in the jungle without contesting Dragon, and dying repeatedly in team fights with a 4-1 lead on Kiana.

Because Kanavi's performance has been so erratic, many LPL fans hope he leaves the LPL next season. Some even say they'd rather see Kanavi go to the LCK and dominate the LPL than remain in the LPL. However, unexpectedly, LPL champion coach Zhu Kai recently revealed on stream that many LPL teams have privately contacted Kanavi, hoping he will leave TES and join them next season.

Zhu Kai’s public disclosure left many LPL fans speechless, since Kanavi’s World Championship performance was like that of an actor, yet many LPL teams are still eager to sign him. Many fans also wonder why Kanavi doesn’t compete in the LCK, especially since HLE’s jungler Peanut will retire next season, making Kanavi a perfect replacement. Zhu Kai revealed that Kanavi has personality issues and finds the LCK’s environment and team culture too oppressive, which is why he refuses to play there.

Will Tarzan return to the LCK?

Besides Kanavi’s refusal to return to the LCK stirring discussion, many LPL fans are curious if AL will strengthen its roster next year. AL performed excellently internationally this season, never losing to LCK teams in BO1 or BO3, and pushing BO5 matches to the limit. Many believe AL has a chance to win the championship next year if they reinforce their bottom lane AD. However, recently AL’s manager Aixiang brought bad news during a livestream: most AL players have not yet renewed their contracts.

After news broke that AL’s roster largely hasn’t renewed, many fans fear Tarzan and Kael might return to the LCK. After this year’s World Championship, many HLE players’ contracts expired, and with Tarzan and Kael performing well, if they choose to return to the LCK, the powerhouse team Galaxy Battleship would likely pick them up. This would be bad for the LPL, since AL’s ability to challenge LCK teams at Worlds heavily depended on junglers Tarzan and Kael. If they leave, AL’s strength will significantly decline next season.

Although AL’s jungle and support have not confirmed renewals, manager Aixiang has already announced he signed a three-year extension with AL. Despite a mixed reputation, Aixiang’s leadership skills are strong, having united a group of underdogs and impressed many LPL fans. Still, some worry about the close relationship between manager Aixiang and AD player Xiwangge, since Aixiang once said Xiwangge is the most suitable AD for AL. Fans fear AL might not reinforce their AD position next season.

Conclusion

Judging from Kanavi’s past conversations with Chidi, it’s clear Kanavi cannot adapt to the "senior culture" in the LCK. It seems likely Kanavi will continue playing in the LPL next season. Honestly, Kanavi is very strong in domestic matches; as long as the top, mid, and bottom lanes perform normally, Kanavi can dominate games. However, his mental state during international matches remains an issue, and it’s uncertain if he can improve in the future.