Introduction: The S16 season has officially begun, and most fans have been closely following recent competitions. Discussions about transfers have been particularly lively these days. The first stage of the LPL season has concluded, and except for teams like BLG and JDG participating in the Pioneer Tournament, all other teams have entered the off-season. The second stage is crucial, so many teams are planning to strengthen during this period. For instance, AL Team has already changed its coaching staff. The situation for IG Team, which many are concerned about, is quite complex. Team management is still negotiating with top-lane player Theshy, but the chances are almost zero. Meanwhile, they have introduced a new AD player, Jiaqi, the Best Rookie of the S15 season.

Exposure: IG’s Major Personnel Transfers During Off-Season

Most fans are quite familiar with IG Team, a veteran powerhouse in the LPL. Over the years, IG’s popularity and influence have fluctuated significantly. They were the first LPL team to win the World Championship, and every player from that era received widespread acclaim. However, recent issues have repeatedly pushed IG into the spotlight. Although they were a World Championship team last season, they failed to acquire strong players during the winter transfer period, resulting in a lineup where, aside from mid and jungle positions, all others are newcomers. Their performance in the first stage was dismal, failing even to reach the top four in the LPL.

As the off-season begins, personnel changes within IG Team have become a hot topic among fans online. Naturally, the most attention is on top-lane player Theshy, who has been highly active recently, participating in various events and possibly even joining entertainment tournaments hosted by Uzi. Since IG’s elimination, insiders have continuously reported that management is negotiating with Theshy for a return in the second stage. Despite the prolonged discussions, no definitive news has emerged, and some insiders suggest that although talks are ongoing, the likelihood of his return is virtually zero. If no surprises occur, their top-lane player might be Budou. Additionally, there are rumors that LGD Team might acquire Budou.

For IG Team, the most certain adjustment seems to be in the AD position. Photic’s overall performance has been notably poor, hardly fitting for a top-tier team. Throughout the first stage, he appeared as a significant weakness in the team, unable to deliver impactful plays whether in advantageous or disadvantageous situations, and even prone to sudden, fatal errors. According to reports, IG Team will lease AD player Jiaqi for the second stage—currently the starting AD for TES Team. While Jiaqi’s gameplay isn’t exceptionally outstanding, he has much more potential for growth compared to Photic. This rumor seems reliable, especially since after Aqua’s return in the second stage, Jiaqi would have no spot in TES.

Teams in the涅槃组 are undergoing substantial changes. Reports indicate that UP Team has many adjustments, but for such a team, changing players alone hardly guarantees better results. WBG Team likely won’t see major changes this time, as their roster composition is already near its peak. Except for auxiliary player Erha, all others are highly valued domestic players. If they could acquire Liu Qing Song or Meiko, WBG might consider rotations, but otherwise, it’s unlikely. As for TES Team, it’s already known that jungle and AD positions will definitely change, and the auxiliary position might also be replaced.

Goodbye thinks

After reaching its peak last season, IG Team indeed lacks significant momentum this season, largely due to Theshy’s departure, which severely dampened fan enthusiasm. This transfer period represents their final hope. If they fail to secure a strong lineup for the second stage, IG’s season will likely falter, and next season might not attract much investment, leading to the gradual decline of this iconic team.

What do you all think about this?