The LPL winter transfer window will officially open in 1-2 weeks. This year’s transfer rules have undergone significant changes. To improve next year’s regional performance, the organizers have pooled all free agents who have not renewed contracts into a single pool. Teams will bid for players one by one based on their rankings and points. If a player refuses to be bid on, or declines to join after being acquired, they will face a six-month ban and can only compete again in the third stage.

Therefore, all teams are currently striving to renew contracts with their core players to avoid weak lineups next season. Recently, many transfer rumors have surfaced online. Lianlian Hongcha posted several Weibo updates revealing the latest transfer developments. First, JDG is increasing investment and might recreate their S13 championship team by building another super star roster. Their main target is the strong duo from HLE’s bot lane.

According to Lianlian Hongcha’s leak: a club is simultaneously negotiating with HLE’s top laner and AD carry. This team consistently seeks top-tier neighboring players, especially Korean imports, and that can only be JDG. Previously, JDG was reported to have contacted players like Chovy and Zeus, so this is almost confirmed. However, since JDG did not qualify for Worlds, their bidding priority is low and they might struggle to spend their budget.

Moreover, Zeus and Viper might not leave because HLE isn’t short on funds. After Peanut’s retirement, HLE will definitely restructure. Viper is a key player they don’t want to lose, as finding a replacement in LCK is difficult. The same goes for Zeus. It’s even possible HLE might try to poach top LPL talent like Tarzan, a top-tier jungler, which is an urgent need for them now.

Next, there’s new news about BLG. Lianlian Hongcha said one BLG player will definitely leave, and another has a very high chance of departing. This leak is somewhat vague, but from our perspective, the confirmed departure is ON, who has already separated from BLG. The likely second departure could be LeftHand; if he wants to achieve good results, he probably won’t stay and has a strong chance to return to JDG.

However, this also applies to the two junglers, Beichuan and Shadou. BLG probably won’t actively keep them either, as both were emergency signings on short-term contracts. So no matter which two leave, Hongcha can handle it smoothly. Additionally, several insiders revealed that last winter HLE contacted BLG’s top laner Bin, but talks failed because BLG didn’t want to let him go and his price was too high.

If this is true, Bin almost became the first “Chinese-import” player in the LCK region. Of course, it’s possible HLE, like JDG, was just casually inquiring during the transfer period. But even mentioning it breaks LCK’s precedent, as there were no prior signs of LCK teams wanting to buy LPL players. After this year’s Worlds, HLE should be relieved Bin didn’t join them, or they might have reached the round of 16.

According to Zhu Kai, November 18 is the deadline for teams to renew contracts. Players not renewed by then will enter the bidding pool. Therefore, many teams will likely announce renewals next week. These leaks may not all be accurate since some insiders have made mistakes before. We will have to wait for official announcements once the transfer window opens to know for sure.

Conclusion:

JDG’s bidding priority this transfer period is very low. Without signing top Korean imports, they might not be able to form a super star team. They could end up with money but no suitable players to spend it on. BLG cannot maintain their original roster; despite the highest investment and a Worlds top-16 finish, the management will not be satisfied.

So, what do you think? Will Viper return to the LPL?

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