Team Liquid Reportedly Close to Signing Alphari

According to reports, Team Liquid are believed to be closing in on the signing of top laner Barney “Alphari” Morris. In a move that would be worth an estimated $1 million, negotiations regarding his free agency status are believed to be at an advanced stage. Nothing can be made official until November 16, when the League of Legends free agency window opens, however this is unlikely to stop Liquid making their move.

Morris is believed to have held talks with a host of League of Legends Championship Series and League European Championship teams, however the 21-year-old is though to favor a move to Team Liquid. The Brit, who only arrived at Astralis back in September, has also being courted by Fnatic and Rogue. It ultimately came down to a shootout between Liquid and Rogue, with North American’s seeing off competition from their European rivals.

How the New Look Team Liquid Lineup Could Work

It is understood that Alphari will replace Jung “Impact” Eon-yeong upon his move to Team Liquid being made official, with Impact having been the highest earner in the 2020 LoL Championship Series. However, his contract is due to expire next month, which was worth around $3.4 million over three years.

Along with Alphari, Liquid are hoping to extend the contract of mid laner Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen, while also potentially making changes to their jungle position. It is thought that FlyQuest’s Lucas “Santorin” Tao Kilmer Larssen is another target for Liquid ahead of the new season. Elsewhere, the rest of the Liquid roster will most likely stay the same. Both Edward “Tactical” Ra and Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in are under contract until 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Why Liquid Are Making Such Changes

Team Liquid are making such changes after failing to make it through to quarter finals at the 2020 League of Legends World Championship, having featured in a group alongside G2 Esports, Suning and Machi Esports. A 3-3 record meant that they crashed out of the group stage for the third consecutive year.

Alphari competed for Origen over the last two seasons, who made their return to the European Championship after Astralis brought a majority stake in the team. It was with Origen where Alphari made a name for himself, however his performances were not enough for the team to qualify for the World Championship in either 2018 or 2019. We will be sure to bring you further news once his move to Liquid becomes official.