Kataomi
Vladislav "Kataomi" Semyonov is often mentioned alongside Fishman, but this transfer window offers new possibilities. Rumours about his departure from Cloud9 have circulated.
Semyonov remains relatively unnoticed in the media but showcased his skills at The International, demonstrating consistency and creativity. He excelled with Tinker, instilling fear in opponents, and surprised everyone with his Winter Wyvern— a hero rarely used.
Kataomi is a reliable option, bringing experience and new ideas to the team while fitting well into the overall concept.
Swedenstrong
Georgiy "swedenstrong" Zainalabidov has less experience than Kataomi, as TI13 was just his second tier-1 tournament. However, at 21, he is young and talented. He stood out on 1WIN, fitting the modern four role as an active player who farms well.
His lack of tier-1 experience may pose challenges initially, but he could be gradually integrated into Spirit’s structure, bringing fresh perspectives and new heroes to the pool.
9Class
Edgar "9Class" Naltakyan emerged as a standout discovery last season. A young support who quickly rose to the top, he is known for his mobility in the early game. This season, he impressed with Monkey King, Morphling, and other unconventional picks.
9Class is a skilled young support with a broad hero pool. His only downside is his negative media presence following a conflict with Fishman. If Spirit guides him towards a more prudent media approach, he could be a viable option.
Rue
Alexander "rue" Filin is a potential temporary replacement. The Yellow Submarine support impacted less than Satanic, but his transfer would be straightforward, avoiding complex negotiations. Given his lack of experience, rue would be adaptable and eager to learn.
The risk of a sudden leap from tier-2 to top level exists, but Spirit is accustomed to slow starts. If they sign two players from Yellow Submarine, the transition would likely be smoother.
Sayuw
Oleg "sayuw" Kalenbet is a less likely candidate, but given the tight timeline, he deserves consideration. After leaving Virtus.pro for 9Pandas, he performed well and was a standout.
At 27, he may not fit long-term plans, but as a reliable temporary replacement, he could be useful. He has a solid rapport with Korb3n and Miposhka from their time in Team Empire, easing his integration into the club.