New Developments in the T1 – Doran – Zeus Transfer Shocking Many
On the morning of November 20, the League of Legends community in South Korea and around the world was shaken by new developments in the transfer drama involving Zeus and Doran of T1. Specifically, Korean media reported that T1 had been “played dirty” by Zeus’s representatives, almost leading to the team not being able to recruit any capable top laner.
According to Naver, T1 had prepared a lucrative contract for Zeus, with the primary goal of maintaining ZOFGK. However, the player’s representatives deliberately avoided decisive negotiations. In fact, some discussions only took place over the phone.
Notably, T1 had braced themselves for the possibility of Zeus leaving, with Kiin as the alternative option. However, the representatives of Zeus are from the same company (albeit on paper) as Kiin’s, which caused T1 to lose their option with Kiin as the player had already committed to Gen.G, while negotiations with Zeus hit a deadlock.
Naver quoted T1’s side: “At 3 PM yesterday, they unilaterally announced the situation regarding player Zeus. We had to rush to Incheon to handle it and even negotiated over the phone while on the road. But by 3:40 PM, they informed us that Zeus had completed negotiations with another team. The amount we were told was the same, differing only in contract terms.” T1 also mentioned that they arrived in Incheon just after 4 PM and everything was already over.
It is known that the negotiations between T1 and Zeus faced difficulties as the player’s representatives continuously delayed discussions. The latest proposal T1 offered to Zeus was a “1+1 year” contract, with a salary increase compared to the initial offer. However, it is reported that Zeus’s representatives only agreed to a “2+1 year” contract with an increased amount.
T1 May “Counterattack” Against Zeus’s Representatives
T1’s brand in 2023 – 2024 has brought significant profits to the team. Zeus himself is also tied to many advertising contracts and sponsorships with T1. Therefore, failing to maintain ZOFGK could pose a significant risk to this team.
According to Naver, T1 could “counterattack” if the team decides to file a lawsuit. However, for Zeus and his fans as well as T1, it turns out that the situation is anything but peaceful, and the separation may have occurred in the least desirable manner.
