Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unrealized possibilities, growing tensions, and a fanbase divided
between admiration for his technical prowess and disappointment in his evident flaws. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Wunderkind to Barcelona’s Enigma
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted playmakers, following a Champions League final four run with Ajax that highlighted his capacity to control games with poise and vision. His €75 million signing represented a future investment in a individual capable of stabilizing Barcelona’s playmaking hub.
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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a watershed moment in fan opinion. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to persistent relapses, with medical staff advocating for a procedure – an option De Jong resisted 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 holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible tenure. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million obligation that grows through 2026. This financial framework, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, restricted the club’s ability to ratify new acquisitions.
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## The Jeering Incident: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations
The peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the applause bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd highlighted the poisonous environment.