- Vinicius could still leave Real Madrid
- Mbappe may be moved to left wing
- Haaland touted for No.9 role
Getty/GOALReal Madrid line up Erling Haaland to take Kylian Mbappe's No.9 slot this summer with Saudi Arabia set to make final push for Vinicius Junior transfer
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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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Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
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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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Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
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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.
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Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite being rebuffed the first time, journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that the move is far from dead. Saudi officials remain determined, continuing to pursue what has been described as a deal of “unprecedented scale”, potentially setting new benchmarks in both transfer fees and player salaries. Should Vinicius ultimately accept a move this summer, Real Madrid are reportedly ready to act fast with a Plan B: going all-in on signing Haaland from Manchester City. The prolific Norwegian striker has long been admired by the Madrid hierarchy, but any move previously appeared unnecessary with both Vinicius and Mbappe already on the books.
Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
If Vinicius departs, Haaland would slot naturally into the central attacking role, freeing up space for Mbappe to drift wideleft, a position he has preferred throughout his career. That versatility could make a Haaland-Mbappe-Rodrygo trio not only feasible but frightening for any opposition, potentially forming one of the most dangerous attacking line-ups the game has seen.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid’s hopes of securing Haaland, however, are far from straightforward. At the beginning of 2025, the striker extended his contract with Manchester City, committing himself to the Premier League champions until 2034. Crucially, the new deal reportedly does not include any release clause, removing a typical escape route for clubs like Madrid looking to swoop in. Without a buyout option, Madrid would have to negotiate directly with City, who are unlikely to let go of their talisman without a fierce fight - and an enormous fee.
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