Valyn Reportedly Set to Join Fnatic Ahead of VCT 2027

G2 Esports' IGL Jacob "valyn" Batio is reportedly set to join European giants Fnatic ahead of the VCT 2027 season, according to a recent report by Sheep Esports. The move would mark a significant shift for a Fnatic squad coming off a disappointing 2026 season, having failed to qualify for both Masters and Champions.

Earlier reports suggested that valyn was keen on a move to LYON, with a verbal agreement seemingly in place. However, with the Mexican organization failing to secure a partner slot for next season, the deal appears to have broken down.

Valyn's time at G2 saw the American lead the team to eight international events between 2023 and 2026. His notable achievements include winning all three VCT Americas events in 2025, Americas Stage 1 2026, and top‑4 finishes at four Masters events as well as Champions 2026.

Here's everything we know about valyn's reported move to Fnatic and what it could mean for both organizations.

Valyn to Join Fnatic: What This Means for G2 

Following valyn’s reported departure, G2 is rumored to acquire Brazilian youngster Eduardo "Sato" Nagahama from Leviatán. 

This may not be the only move G2 has in store. The VCT Americas org is also reportedly gearing up to sign Leviatán’s Francisco "kiNgg" Aravena to take on the vacant IGL role. 

G2 Esports is also rumored to part ways with Andrej "babybay" Francisty. While it’s currently unclear whether the org will retain the rest of the team, players Nathan "leaf" Orf and Trent "trent" Cairns, along with head coach Josh "JoshRT" Lee, have contracts running through 2028, according to Riot Games’ VCT Global Contract Database. 

Alexander "Jawgemo" Mor’s contract, however, expires in 2026, so we’ll have to wait to see whether the organization extends his tenure or signs a replacement Duelist. 

Fnatic’s Expected Roster for VCT 2027 

With the reported acquisition of valyn, Fnatic will have a mostly renovated roster for the VCT EMEA 2027 season, retaining only two of their current members. Rumored to join the British org alongside him are two players from Gentle Mates and a former NAVI man as the head coach.

Fnatic’s expected roster for VCT 2027 consists of:

• Kajetan "kaajak" Haremski

• Kirill "Cloud" Nekhozhin

• Patrik "Minny" Hušek

• Jacob "valyn" Batio 

• Martin "marteen" Pátek 

• Kyrylo "ANGE1" Karasov (Head Coach)

Note that all of these signings are unconfirmed and are based on various reports, and changes may occur before the official announcement. 

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Featured image credit: Riot Games

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