Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unmet expectations, mounting strain, and a fanbase divided
between admiration for his technical prowess and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona’s Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted midfield maestros, fresh from a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that highlighted his ability to govern games with elegance and insight. His €75 million signing represented a strategic purchase in a talent equipped of stabilizing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Discontent
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a watershed moment in fan perception. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His rushed return led to ongoing complications, with medical staff advocating for an operation – an option De Jong avoided in favor of non-invasive treatment.
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## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Commitment Scrutinized
The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible tenure. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona deferred €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million debt that compounds through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s salary restrictions, restricted the club’s capacity to register new recruits.
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## The Derision Episode: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations
The climax of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a marked opposition to the ovation bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd underscored the poisonous environment.