Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a narrative of missed opportunities, mounting strain, and a fanbase split
between admiration for his technical prowess and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona’s Enigma
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s most sought-after central orchestrators, following a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that showcased his aptitude to control games with elegance and insight. His €75 million signing represented a long-term commitment in a individual equipped of anchoring Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a watershed moment in fan sentiment. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His rushed return led to persistent relapses, with medical staff pushing for a procedure – an option De Jong rejected in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Contractual Impasse: Deferred Payments and Allegiance Doubted
The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent leadership. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million obligation that grows through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hampered the club’s ability to enroll new recruits.
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## The Derision Episode: Trough in Player-Supporter Relations
The climax of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the acclaim bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd underscored the hostile climate.