Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a saga of missed opportunities, increasing friction, and a fanbase polarized
between admiration for his technical prowess and frustration with his perceived limitations. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Sensation to Barcelona’s Conundrum
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 showcased his aptitude to govern games with poise and foresight. His €75 million signing represented a long-term commitment in a individual capable of securing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a critical juncture in fan opinion. A severe 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 an operation – an option De Jong rejected in favor of non-invasive treatment.
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## Financial Deadlock: Delayed Compensation and Loyalty Questioned
The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible administration. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million liability that compounds through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s salary restrictions, hindered the club’s capability to enroll 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 substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the acclaim given to Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd highlighted the toxic atmosphere.
