Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a narrative of missed opportunities, increasing friction, and a fanbase divided
between appreciation for his tactical genius and frustration with his perceived limitations. 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 most sought-after midfield maestros, fresh from a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that highlighted his capacity to dictate games with elegance and insight. His €75 million signing represented a long-term commitment in a individual prepared of securing Barcelona’s playmaking hub.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a watershed moment in fan opinion. A severe ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His premature comeback led to recurring setbacks, with medical staff advocating for an operation – an option De Jong avoided in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Contractual Impasse: Postponed Salaries and Allegiance Doubted
The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent tenure. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million obligation that accumulates through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hampered the club’s ability to enroll new recruits.
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## The Derision Episode: Nadir in Player-Supporter Relations
The peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Brest. When replaced in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the ovation given to Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd underscored the hostile climate.
