Multiple corroborating reports from October 2026, including leaks from Sheep Esports and a circulated photo of Deft in Nongshim RedForce apparel, have driven the heavy trader consensus toward Nongshim for the 2027 LCK season. The veteran ADC is returning after completing mandatory military service that kept him out since late 2024, with recent solo-queue grinding to Challenger on meta marksmen signaling readiness. Nongshim’s disappointing 2026 campaign, which ended without playoff qualification, prompted the organization to move on from young bot laner Diable and pursue a proven winner with Worlds, MSI, LCK, and LPL titles. While the implied probability exceeds 90%, the deal remains unconfirmed until after Deft’s service ends in November, and factors like potential rust or a surprise pivot by other interested LCK sides could still alter the outcome before official roster locks.