Team RRQ Valorant squad is set to pursue another surprise transfer to boost their performance in the upcoming competitive season, with Maksim “Jemkin” Batorov becoming the next target on their scouting list.
A week earlier, RRQ announced the signing of former DPlus Valorant in-game leader Park “Estrella” Gun as a replacement for Emmanuel “Emman” Morales who left on September 11. Shortly after, they hinted that Estrella wouldn’t be their only plan for the next season, sparking speculation that another new name may be coming later this month.
The speculation intensified when they announced the release of Filipino Eroll “Ejay” Delfin two days ago. Some fans believe that RRQ will try to sign an Indonesian and go back to their “Indo Pride” days. However, immediately after, another report stated that they will be looking for overseas name again, with Japanese competitive scene as their references.
According to a reputable source, they are now eyeing a move for Jemkin, who is currently playing for SCARZ in Japan. However, considering the young Russian has gained plaudits for his incredible individual performance, which led his team to a victory in VCT Challengers Japan Split series and a runner up finish in Acension Pacific 2023, convincing SCARZ to sell their ace would be a difficult feat.
Additionally, the Japanese team is short on players after the departure of Savva “Kr1stal” Fedorov this September and Zenaku – Allen duo in July, so it is unlikely that the team will engage in a negotiation before acquiring proper replacements.
Regardless of these potential challenges, it is expected that they will go to any length to bring in Jemkin to make up for their mistakes from the previous season. Previously, they had the opportunity to sign Ilya “something” Petrov when he was still playing in Japan but rejected it as they thought the Russian didn’t have much experience. He eventually joined Paper Rex in Singapore and became their MVP this season, helping the squad finish respectably in major events.
