Sources: Hans SamD set to join NAVI in the LEC

Just one day after officially entering the LEC, NAVI have secured their first non-Rogue player for their starting roster. According to sources speaking to Sheep Esports on Saturday, NAVI have reached a verbal agreement with AD Carry Lee "Hans SamD" Jae-hoon. A buyout deal has also been agreed upon with his current team, Ici Japon Corp. The South Korean botlaner is expected to start for NAVI in the upcoming Summer Split.

After acquiring Rogue’s player and coaching staff contracts, NAVI have chosen to retain Toplaner Adam "Adam" Maanane and Midlaner Emil "Larssen" Larsson. According to our sources, Larssen will remain on a reduced salary.

In a recent interview with Sheep Esports, NAVI CEO Yevhen Zolotarov outlined his intent to rebuild the Rogue roster, with a strong focus on the 2026 offseason: “The Summer Split will provide us with more information to properly evaluate the next steps.”

As part of the roster transfer, AD Carry Patrik "Patrik" Jírů will not be starting for NAVI this Summer Split—a decision the organization communicated to him earlier in the offseason.

This marks the first time since 2018 that Patrik will not be starting in an LEC split. One of the league’s most seasoned players, he has competed at the highest level of European play for over six consecutive years. Though he entered the league as a highly promising rookie, Patrik has struggled to achieve significant results in recent seasons. He reached the LEC finals twice in his career: once in 2019 with Origen and again in 2023 with Excel.

Replacing Patrik in the starting lineup, Hans SamD has spent the past year and a half competing in the LFL. He was heavily considered for the LEC by GIANTX during the 2024-2025 offseason, but wasn't selected as the top candidate. This year, he emerged as a standout performer for Ici Japon Corp in the LFL, frequently praised by fans and analysts as the league’s top player. In an April interview with Sheep Esports, he shared: “My goal is just to go to the LEC and play against Hans Sama. That’s my only goal.” He also stated he would prefer to compete in the LEC over the LCK.

Previously known simply as SamD, Lee Jae-hoon is no stranger to top-tier play. From 2019 to 2022, he competed in both South Korea and China for teams such as Victory Five and Hanwha Life, though without notable success.

What’s certain is that Hans SamD has worked hard for this LEC opportunity, and he may still have his peak ahead of him as he'll finally face G2 Esports' Steven "Hans Sama" Liv.

Top: Adam “Adam” Maanane
Jungle: TBD
Mid: Emil "Larssen" Larsson
ADC: Lee "Hans SamD" Jae-hoon
Support: TBD