GALA apologizes to TheShy!

As IG’s undeniable core player, many fans think IG made it to Worlds this year thanks to GALA’s ability to secure late-game matches. But disappointment struck when IG’s official account confirmed GALA’s exit. Following this news, well-known esports insider “True Esports” revealed IG’s transfer secrets, claiming the main reason for GALA leaving was TheShy not renewing his contract. If TheShy had chosen to stay, GALA wouldn’t have left either.

After “True Esports” shared this insider info, many of TheShy’s critics mocked the source for having a TheShy fan bias. Some even believed that GALA could only achieve success after parting ways with TheShy. However, after IG’s official account released GALA’s farewell video, many critics were proven wrong. In the video, GALA sincerely thanked TheShy for his sacrifices during matches and even apologized to him, admitting that his poor laning caused TheShy to repeatedly lose farm while swapping lanes with him.

Regular viewers of IG’s matches know that although GALA is strong at carrying the team late-game, he has some laning issues. This forces IG to sacrifice TheShy’s farming to ensure GALA’s growth. Many IG fans have criticized the management for preferring to release jungler JIEJIE instead of recruiting a new support. They believe GALA’s laning problems stem from support Meiko’s weak performance. If IG had brought in a stronger support, they might have gone further this year.

The only good news in IG’s transfer period

IG fans are arguably the most unfortunate in the LPL, as they have mostly received bad news during the transfer window. First came the news of TheShy’s rest and GALA’s departure, then insiders revealed that mid laner ROOKIE might also take a break. This caused many IG fans to become upset, with some even threatening the management under IG’s official posts. Recently, however, the LPL championship-winning coach publicly denied the rumors about ROOKIE resting.

Zhu Kai, an industry insider, stated he never heard about ROOKIE taking a break and confidently said ROOKIE will definitely compete next year. This announcement was seen by many IG fans as the only positive news in the transfer period. Naturally, many are curious about IG’s final roster for the new season. Popular LoL esports blogger “Lian Lian Hong Cha” revealed that IG will have two possible lineups, depending mainly on whether top laner TheShy renews his contract.

Lian Lian Hong Cha stated that if TheShy agrees to stay, IG’s jungler WEI will also remain. But if TheShy does not renew, WEI will take a break during the first split, and former teammate jungler AKI, AD carry XiaoP, and support Hang will join IG. Top laner Solokill would then replace TheShy in matches. (Frankly, this “makeshift” IG lineup would only be considered successful if they reach the playoffs, which looks quite unlikely.)

Conclusion

IG’s transfer moves are truly puzzling. It seems very difficult for IG’s roster next year to achieve good results. Personally, I don’t understand why IG would rather bring in jungler AKI and support Hang than develop new talent. Do you think IG’s lineup can really make it to the playoffs next season? Of course, if TheShy is just resting temporarily and returns in the second split, then I believe IG still has a chance to qualify for Worlds.