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President Trump And First Lady Attend FIFA World Cup Final In New JerseyGetty Images News
Loai Mohamed
Translated by

The transfer window heats up: Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain rival Real Madrid for Rodri

Transfers
Rodri
Manchester City
Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain
Barcelona
LaLiga
Premier League
Spain
England
France

A high-level battle for the best player at the 2026 World Cup

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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.

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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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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 around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.

Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
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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
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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.

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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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The race for Rodri has exploded this summer. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have both entered talks to challenge Real Madrid, who remain firm favourites to sign the Manchester City star. Los Blancos were linked with the Spain international months ago, and the speculation has only intensified since he was crowned the best player at the 2026 World Cup.

French network RMC revealed on Saturday that PSG have made their move, contacting Manchester City to establish the terms for prising the midfielder away in the current window.

The Parisian club had no plans to sign a midfielder this summer, according to the report. But Rodri's contract runs down at the end of next season, and that has turned him into an opportunity too good to ignore. Officials duly opened the door to talks.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, keep making ground. They have already struck an agreement with Rodri over personal terms. Only a deal with Manchester City now stands between them and the signing.

Barcelona have muscled in too. The Catalans contacted the player's representatives after Frenkie de Jong picked up an injury, part of a wider push to bolster their midfield before the new season kicks off.

City, for their part, are digging in. They want Rodri to stay and are still trying to tie him down to a new contract. The club's management would rather keep him until his deal expires, even losing him for nothing next summer, than sell up in the current window.

Real Madrid still lead the chase despite the swelling competition. They may need to offload one of their own midfielders first, though, both to clear a squad space and to fund the deal, particularly with a new attacking winger also on their summer wishlist.

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