In a 12 months when Workforce Liquid each stunned foes by beating Fnatic but in addition crashed out of worldwide tournaments, not many have been certain the place precisely the crew would flip to forward of VCT 2024. Now, following a report this weekend, the European squad is retooling their roster—and farewelling a key participant to start out their low season.
Star Swedish duelist Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel is leaving Workforce Liquid to hitch regional rivals Workforce Vitality, according to a Sept. 9 report by Blix.gg. With how sturdy Sayf was for Workforce Liquid of their excessive moments this 12 months, particularly after profitable a regional title, this transfer will reinforce Vitality as they form to enhance on their fifth-placed end final season.
Workforce Vitality has been a darkish horse all 12 months of their house area of EMEA however by no means may pull it collectively on the worldwide stage. A part of the rationale why they did not translate these regional outcomes was a roster of latest gamers who have been nonetheless slowly getting accustomed to one another’s sport. The squad additionally took a depart of absence from energetic competitors after duelist Karel “Twisten” Ašenbrener sadly handed away in June 2023.
The crew completed inside the highest eight regionally and nonetheless ranked above groups like Workforce Heretics and KOI, however the one time we noticed the Hornets internationally was at LOCK//IN—their first match collectively.
When the season ended, the crew determined strikes needed to be made, benching each Michał “MOLSI” Łącki and Santeri “BONECOLD” Sassi, leaving two gamers remaining from their 2023 roster. With Sayf becoming a member of, Vitality lands somebody who has a confirmed pedigree on the prime of aggressive VALORANT and was arguably considered one of Workforce Liquid’s higher gamers this 12 months.
Ought to this transfer stick, Sayf’s departure leaves Workforce Liquid in a tough spot, however given the offseason has solely simply begun, they’ll be greater than probably capable of safe an acceptable substitute. Of specific significance, Workforce Liquid nonetheless has its import slot unused and isn’t restricted to signing an EMEA substitute. They’ll additionally look inside, with substitute duelist Nico “Harmii” Harms undoubtedly on standby.
Liquid’s VCT Champions 2023 run was disappointing, to say the least, with the squad eradicated within the group levels with a winless report. With this transfer, in addition to reported roster strikes for Evil Geniuses and Natus Vincere, it appears the low season shuffle dominos are starting to fall.
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