Getty Images SportWatch out, Man City! Real Madrid hatch new plan to sign Rodri amid contract uncertainty
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Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
Pro
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Getty Images SportThe contract stalemate
Fueling Madrid’s optimism is the growing uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s future at the Etihad Stadium. His current deal runs until 2027, meaning is in the last 18 months of his commitment.
Despite Manchester City putting a lucrative extension on the table that would reportedly make him one of the highest earners in Premier League history, pen has not yet been put to paper. Marca indicates that Madrid are keenly aware of this hesitation. Their strategy relies on convincing Rodri to delay any renewal until the summer, at which point City's negotiating leverage would be significantly significantly diminished.
If Rodri enters the final year of his deal without renewing, City would face the nightmare scenario of losing a £100 million asset for free the following year, potentially forcing them to negotiate a sale in 2026. This is the precise leverage point Real Madrid are plotting to exploit.
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Getty Images SportCity's worst nightmare
For City, losing Rodri would be a catastrophic blow. The Spaniard is widely regarded as the most important player in Guardiola's system - the "lighthouse" that guides the team through storms. His win percentage when playing compared to when absent is statistically staggering, and there is no direct replacement for his specific skillset in the current squad or the global market.
The Premier League champions are expected to fight tooth and nail to keep their talisman. However, they are now fighting a war on two fronts: one against the player's potential desire to return to Spain, and another against a Real Madrid board that has decided the time for patience is over.
If the reports from Spain are accurate, the summer of 2026 could see a transfer saga that dwarfs all others. Madrid have hatched their plan, the target is identified, and the pressure is now squarely on City to convince their midfield general that his future remains in England.
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