With about a week left before the LPL winter transfer window enters the auction phase, major teams are scrambling to renew contracts with their key players to secure their squad strength for the new season. Without renewal, players enter the auction pool, where top talents may be contested by other teams. Given the 30% salary cap reduction, relying solely on auctions to build a top-tier team is quite unrealistic.

The team making the biggest moves this transfer window is undoubtedly JDG. It was previously revealed by insiders that JD’s affiliated company injected an additional 110 million yuan investment. Clearly, Blue Lotus aims to recreate the S13 success and assemble a super galaxy-level team. There are reports that JDG is negotiating with HLE’s top laner and AD carry. Whether it will happen remains uncertain, but personally, I think their chances of coming to LPL are slim since HLE is financially strong.

If it were just about money, JDG would have signed Zeus last year with a high offer—he would have joined already. Viper, who won the world championship in LPL, has no plans to return to compete here. If these two can’t be signed, JDG might look to IG to see if Gala is available or continue with Peyz. But these are just possibilities; at present, JDG actually has some good news.

After the World Championship ended, TOP Esports coach Redmi expressed a desire to return to the LCK. Recently, foreign media shared an interview where Redmi stated: “Next season, I will join a familiar team, but the details must remain confidential.” Since Redmi has been coaching in LPL since VG in S5, the only familiar team in LCK is the old Samsung. This suggests he will likely stay in LPL next year.

Redmi has only coached four LPL teams: VG, WE, JDG, and TES. Saying he will join a familiar team means he won’t stay with TOP Esports. VG is long gone, and WE doesn’t have enough funds to hire a top coach, so the only option left is JDG. With JD’s additional investment this year aiming for Worlds, they definitely need a top coach. Bringing Redmi back would make a lot of sense.

Besides the news about coach Redmi, foreign media also revealed that a Korean player known for his Akali skills will join the European KC team next season. The keywords “Korean import” and “Akali specialist” immediately bring to mind TT’s mid laner SeTab. At last year’s Demacia Cup, SeTab famously led his team to a stunning victory over JDG, with Akali taking down three opponents solo before escaping unharmed—a very memorable moment.

This regular season, SeTab frequently showcased impressive Akali plays. However, the player moving to KC may not necessarily be SeTab, as WE’s mid laner Karis also has high proficiency with Akali. KC has already finalized players for top, jungle, and AD positions; the support role changed from FLY to Busio. Their original target for mid lane was Zinie from KT’s second team, but LNG intercepted and signed him.

So KC’s choice is between SeTab and Karis. Both are young talents born in 2004 and 2003 respectively, with promising potential. After Beichuan left TT, the team has struggled. If SeTab wants to achieve results, he will likely leave. Karis’s situation is slightly better, as WE performed decently this year. With a good coach, they might have a chance to reach playoffs next season.

Conclusion:

JDG is investing heavily next year, so their roster won’t be weak. They definitely need to keep some current players because relying solely on auctions may not build a strong lineup. Scout probably won’t stay, and the support role will change. The AD carry and jungler can likely be retained. Top laner Xiao Xu has performed well, so strengthening mid and support positions should be the focus.

So, do you think Redmi is referring to JDG?

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