Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a narrative of unrealized possibilities, growing tensions, and a fanbase polarized
between appreciation for his tactical genius and disappointment in his evident flaws. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona’s Enigma
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted playmakers, coming off a Champions League final four run with Ajax that highlighted his capacity to govern games with elegance and insight. His €75 million signing represented a future investment in a talent equipped of stabilizing 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 opinion. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde incapacitated him for six months. His rushed return led to recurring setbacks, with medical staff recommending for a procedure – an option De Jong avoided in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Contractual Impasse: Deferred Payments and Loyalty Questioned
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent tenure. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million obligation that accumulates through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s salary restrictions, restricted the club’s capability to enroll new acquisitions.
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## The Derision Episode: 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 greeted by scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the ovation received by Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd highlighted the hostile climate.
