Team Vitality is looking for a fresh start in 2020, but that doesn’t end with players.
Head coach Jakob “YamatoCannon” Mebdi has parted ways with Vitality after two years with the organization. The split with YamatoCannon is not the only change Vitality has made this offseason.
The Swede joined the organization in 2017 and since then has become one of the faces of Vitality. Unfortunately, the team has failed to get any significant results in the LEC during that time, which has led to a change in coaching staff.
In addition to dropping YamatoCannon, the team decided to part ways with bottom laner Amadeu “Attila” Carvalho. Mid laner Daniele “Jiizuke” di Mauro’s contract will also expire on November 18, which leaves his status with the team in question.
The rest of the players are still under contract through 2020, but could be traded to other teams.
Vitality’s off-season moves are being kept under wraps, with few rumors swirling about what is in the works. The organization could invest in some high-caliber stars, or could stay its current course.
Another team with big plans for 2020 is British organization Excel Esports.
Excel recently signed former Fnatic coach Joey “YoungBuck” Steltenpoo, putting an end to rumors that he was heading to the LCS. Under YoungBuck, the team is expected to go through significant changes.
At the moment, the most prominent rumor is that former FC Schalke 04 bottom laner Elias “Upset” Lipp will be joining Excel. Another rumored recruit is Splyce support Tore “Norskeren” Eilertsen.
While most of the players are still under contract, a complete roster swap is possible. So far in the LEC, Excel has finished in ninth and tenth place in Spring and Summer, respectively. Those results are extremely poor for an organization with a relevant backing like Excel.
Luckily, the European market is now full of talent looking for opportunities at a good price. Misfits released its entire roster which included veterans like British jungler Nubar “Maxlore” Sarafian and mid laner Fabian “Febiven” Diepstraten. These are players that have the potential to join any team in the LEC.
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