Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a saga of unmet expectations, increasing friction, and a fanbase polarized
between appreciation for his tactical genius and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Wunderkind to Barcelona’s Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s extremely desired playmakers, following a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that highlighted his ability to dictate games with grace and vision. His €75 million signing represented a long-term commitment in a individual equipped of anchoring Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Discontent
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a turning point in fan perception. A severe ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to persistent relapses, with medical staff pushing for an operation – an option De Jong resisted in favor of non-invasive treatment.
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## Wage Stalemate: Deferred Payments and Commitment Scrutinized
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s contract terms – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless administration. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million debt that compounds through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hampered the club’s ability to ratify new recruits.
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## The Jeering Incident: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations
The climax of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the acclaim bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd highlighted the hostile climate.
