The League of Legends European Championship (LEC) is a realm of constant evolution. Much like in other competitive spheres and esports in general, long-term projects with players are rare.
Therefore, transfer markets become one of the most intense periods within the League of Legends ecosystem. The dance of player names can significantly influence the course of competitions in the future.
Understanding the Dynamics of the LEC Transfer Windows
In the world of esports, specifically League of Legends, transfer windows typically occur between seasons. In the LEC, these windows span from the Winter to the Spring Season and from the Spring to the Summer Season. While there are two major transfer windows annually, the one at the end of the year tends to have the most significant impact.
During these transfer windows, organizations have the opportunity to acquire players who are free agents or negotiate with other clubs to secure the services of a professional player.
For instance, in 2019, G2 Esports players had clauses ranging from two million to one and a half million euros. Generally, professional contracts last until November 15, which marks the beginning of the League of Legends transfer window.
The Intricacies of Player Contracts and Transfers
Players under contract theoretically cannot entertain offers from other clubs without prior discussions with their current organizations, unless their teams grant permission to explore other options.
Contract terminations can also occur, as professionals cannot sign new agreements until the transfer windows commence. However, teams have the flexibility to replace players mid-season with free agents or players from their academies, if available.
Latest Updates from the LEC Transfer Market
Closer’s European Debut with Karmine Corp
Karmine Corp announced the addition of Can “Closer” Çelik as their new starting jungler in the LEC. The Turkish player transitions to Europe after competing in the Turkish Championship League (TCL) and the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), where he clinched the North American title in the 2021 Summer Split with 100 Thieves. Closer replaces Zhou “Bo” Yang-Bo, whose future remains uncertain.
Closer joins Karmine Corp as a free agent after departing from 100 Thieves last November. This acquisition follows the potential signing of Lyncas by Team Vitality. Originally, the Lithuanian player was a top priority for Kamel “Kameto” Kebir’s club.
However, with Lyncas’s move to Vitality, KCorp executed their backup plan with the former 100 Thieves player. The organization’s visa situation regarding Closer remains a significant question mark.
[SOURCES] Jungler Closer 🇹🇷 has reached a verbal agreement with Karmine Corp in the #LEC
This move is pending on visa approval.
Report by @anonimotum ⬇️https://t.co/2Ivsd2ZkGr
— Sheep Esports (@Sheep_Esports) April 16, 2024
Lyncas’s Elite Debut with Team Vitality
According to Marian “Eros” Stoica, a journalist from Sheep Esports, Linas “Lyncas” Nauncikas will debut in the LEC during the upcoming Summer Season.
The Karmine Corp academy jungler will join Team Vitality, replacing Kacper “Daglas” Dagiel following the team’s elimination from the European playoffs at the hands of Fnatic with a 3-1 scoreline. However, this wouldn’t be Lyncas’s first brush with the elite league.
In the past, Lyncas was considered by GIANTX as a replacement for Andrei “Xerxe” Dragomir and was even Rogue’s second option after Mark “Markoon” van Wonsel for a starting jungle position in the LEC.
[SOURCES] Jungler Lyncas 🇱🇹 is set to join Team Vitality in the #LEC
Karmine Corp also considered him for their LEC roster.
Report by @LEC_Wooloo & @i_Eros_ ⬇️https://t.co/PIiYLL17Vu
— Sheep Esports (@Sheep_Esports) April 14, 2024
The Lithuanian also attracted interest from the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), particularly from FlyQuest, who eventually secured the services of Kacper “Inspired” Słoma.
One crucial aspect of this move is the coaching staff at Team Vitality, comprised of James “Mac” MacCormack and Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum. Both coaches had expressed interest in working with Lyncas during their time at MAD Lions.
With a project already established around him, the move seems logical. Socially, Lyncas’s signing would have a significant impact on the French League of Legends scene, as he moves from Karmine Corp to their national archrival.
Summary of LEC’s Latest Transfers for the Upcoming Season
- Confirmed: Closer joins Karmine Corp as Bo’s replacement.
- Lyncas moves to Team Vitality, replacing Daglas (unofficially confirmed).
- Odoamne benched at GIANTX (unofficially confirmed).
- GIANTX explores jungle options (unofficially confirmed).
The constant flux in the LEC roster landscape sets the stage for an exciting Summer Split, as teams reshuffle their decks in pursuit of dominance.