Sources: Astralis close to signing ryu

According to HLTV and Dust2.dk, Monte star Gytis "ryu" Glušauskas is close to joining Astralis. The team is finalizing its roster overhaul after signing Swedish sniper Love "phzy" Smidebrant from 9INE.

Astralis have already agreed personal terms with ryu and are now negotiating with Monte to complete the transfer before his contract expires on March 1.

ryu has been playing for Monte since November 2023, when he joined the club's academy. His second promotion to the main roster in 2025 became a breakthrough: the Lithuanian posted a 1.13 rating across all tournaments and climbed to 22nd place in the latest list of promising players.

Astralis are rushing to finalize their lineup by the start of the season: on January 12 they are already due to play the BLAST Bounty tournament. The club switched to an international roster after parting ways with Nicolai "device" Reedtz and Emil "Magisk" Reif, while device is preparing to join 100 Thieves.

Sources also report that Astralis have reached an agreement with Max "MiGHTYMAX" Heath, the former Endpoint captain, for him to work as an assistant coach.