Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unmet expectations, mounting strain, and a fanbase divided
between admiration for his technical prowess and disappointment in his evident flaws. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Sensation to Barcelona’s Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s most sought-after playmakers, coming off a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that demonstrated his ability to control games with elegance and foresight. His €75 million acquisition represented a long-term commitment in a talent prepared of stabilizing Barcelona’s playmaking hub.
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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Discontent
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a turning point in fan opinion. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde incapacitated him for six months. His rushed return led to recurring setbacks, with medical staff pushing for surgical intervention – an option De Jong resisted 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 salary package – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent tenure. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million liability that compounds through 2026. This financial framework, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hindered the club’s ability to register new signings.
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## The Jeering Incident: Nadir in Player-Supporter Relations
The zenith of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a marked opposition to the acclaim bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd emphasized the poisonous environment.
