The LPL winter transfer window closes on the 10th. Teams such as JDG and BLG have successively revealed their new rosters. Apart from the bottom-tier tanking teams and IG, the rest have basically settled their lineups. Recently, IG news emerged: Beichuan’s agent and Lianlian Red Tea disclosed that IG’s jungle and mid stay the same, Soboro is added to top lane, and Photic partners with Jwei in the bot lane, essentially signaling a semi-tanking approach.

Soboro is the top laner for BFX’s second team. He had a stint as a substitute for the main squad but his skill level is average at best. In last month’s ECA Asia Open, he was solo killed by BLG’s second team. Previously in the league, he was frequently solo killed by Doran. He’s the same age as Bin. IG’s signing of him likely has no big expectations—probably just a temporary solution until TheShy recovers and returns to the bench.

If the top lane was Hu Xi, this lineup might have some potential, but with this top laner, there’s little hope for the first split. Hu Xi didn’t join IG partly because of TheShy’s possible continued play. If TheShy returns, Hu Xi definitely won’t start. Overall, not joining IG seems to be the right choice for him. He might find a better team during the first split’s transfer period.

Regarding the bot lane duo, Jwei’s skill is solid. He played a big role in FPX’s surprising rise this year, performing well in both team fights and laning. The problem is his partner, Photic. Despite years in the LPL and being nicknamed "Esports Xiao Yan," everyone knows his true level. His fame mostly came from riding Rookie’s coattails, and he disappears when the team is at a disadvantage.

With this roster, there’s no hope for the World Championship. If they gel well, they might have a shot at the playoffs, but the players’ ceilings are clear. No matter how they play, great results are unlikely. The first split will be just for fun. However, if TheShy returns in the second split and they find a strong AD, IG could still compete with teams like JDG for a Worlds spot.

Beichuan’s agent also revealed that Rookie doesn’t plan to play in the Demacia Cup. IG will promote a young mid laner from the second team to temporarily fill in. The top laner is weak, the mid laner is a rookie—looks like IG won’t be exciting in the Demacia Cup either. With just Wei carrying, it’s unlikely they can carry mid and top. Bold prediction: reaching the quarterfinals will be the best-case scenario; if synergy fails, they might not even get out of groups.

If IG can lock in Jwei early, the bot lane actually has potential. They aimed to sign a top-tier AD; ELK almost joined but fans opposed it, causing the support role to remain uncertain and slip away. When they contacted Doggo, support wasn’t finalized either, and Doggo eventually renewed with CFO. To sum up IG’s transfer window: a strong hand was played terribly, with the manager largely inactive throughout.

TheShy’s decision to rest also impacts IG significantly. Even strong top laners hesitate mid-season. If TheShy returns but is benched, and they fail to sign a strong top laner or secure a support, plus a top AD unwilling to join, the chain reaction leads IG to form a half-hearted roster. Next season will heavily rely on mid and bot lanes. With this lineup, even securing a top eight spot seems difficult.

Conclusion:

Both Meik and TheShy are taking a break and might return simultaneously in the second split. Jwei has great potential; if IG nurtures him well, he could surpass Meik significantly. However, AD remains a weak point—he only shows up in favorable matches but is invisible in tough ones. Compared to Gazi, their skill levels are in completely different leagues.

So, what do you think about IG’s new roster?

Feel free to leave your comments and discuss!