Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a saga of unmet expectations, mounting strain, and a fanbase split
between appreciation for his tactical genius and frustration with his perceived limitations. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona’s Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted midfield maestros, fresh from a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that demonstrated his capacity to govern games with elegance and foresight. His €75 million signing represented a long-term commitment in a player prepared of anchoring Barcelona’s playmaking hub.
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## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Discontent
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a critical juncture in fan sentiment. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His rushed return led to persistent relapses, with medical staff advocating for an operation – an option De Jong resisted in favor of conservative therapy.
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## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Commitment Scrutinized
The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent leadership. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million obligation that grows through 2026. This financial framework, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hampered the club’s ability to enroll new signings.
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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 subjected to mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a marked opposition to the ovation bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd highlighted the poisonous environment.
