Brazilian esports club Imperial is in negotiations with 9z regarding the transfer of Santino "try" Rigal, according to a report from Dust2 Brasil, citing their sources. The organisations have yet to officially confirm this information.
The 19-year-old Argentine sniper has been benched by 9z since last year—he left the team's active roster in October 2023 due to health issues. In March 2024, he announced that he was ready to return to competition.
Dust2 Brasil reports that Rigal is set to replace Henrique "HEN1" Teles, who has been with Imperial since July last year. The Brazilian player has maintained an average rating of 1.15 during his time with the team.
Imperial recently finished in last place at the FiReLEAGUE 2024 Global Finals in Buenos Aires, but they secured a spot in the upcoming ESL Pro League Season 20. Currently, the team holds the 28th position in the HLTV rankings.
Current Imperial Roster:
- Vinicius "VINI" Figueiredo
- Henrique "HEN1" Teles
- João "felps" Vasconcellos
- Caio "noway" Santos
- Lucas "decenty" Bacelar
- Rafael "zakk" Fernandes (coach)