LGD's manager has recently stated that she is willing to offer RMB1,000,000 ($160,000) for the transfer of Zhang 'Xiao8' Ning to LGD from Newbee. This is contrary to common belief that Xiao8 was let go to LGD for free.
Posted by Ruru (LGD's manager) on LGD's tieba, she has said that the maximum she is willing to pay for the transfer of Xiao8 to LGD is RMB1,000,000 (which is approximately $160,000). It is suspected that this arose from a recent gathering of the Chinese Dota2 managers to celebrate a birthday where Xiao8 might have been brought up.
With the recent departure of Chen 'Hao' Zhi Hao from Newbee to join Vici Gaming, Newbee is looking for a player. Xiao8, having agreed to a verbal contract with Newbee, is still under their contract. It seems that prior to the departure of Hao, Xiao8 going to LGD was something of low impact to Newbee and therefore they would allow him to go for free. But now, after the departure of Hao, Newbee might be having second thoughts about his departure while still under contract, leading to the current rumors.
Source: 178.com
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