Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a saga of missed opportunities, growing tensions, and a fanbase polarized
between admiration for his technical prowess and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Sensation to Barcelona’s Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s extremely desired central orchestrators, following a Champions League final four run with Ajax that highlighted his ability to dictate games with grace and foresight. His €75 million acquisition represented a long-term commitment in a player equipped of securing Barcelona’s midfield engine room.
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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a critical juncture in fan opinion. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to recurring setbacks, with medical staff advocating for a procedure – an option De Jong rejected in favor of non-invasive treatment.
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## Contractual Impasse: Postponed Salaries and Loyalty Questioned
The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible leadership. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona deferred €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million debt that grows through 2026. This financial framework, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hindered the club’s capability to ratify new acquisitions.
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## The Jeering Incident: Nadir in Player-Supporter Relations
The peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the acclaim given to Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd highlighted the poisonous environment.
