Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a narrative of unmet expectations, mounting strain, and a fanbase divided
between admiration for his technical prowess 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 extremely desired playmakers, following a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that showcased his capacity to control games with grace and vision. His €75 million signing represented a future investment in a individual capable of anchoring Barcelona’s playmaking hub.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a critical juncture in fan sentiment. A severe ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His premature comeback led to persistent relapses, with medical staff pushing for surgical intervention – an option De Jong avoided in favor of conservative therapy.
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## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Commitment Scrutinized
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent tenure. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million debt that grows through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hindered the club’s capability to register new recruits.
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## The Derision Episode: Trough in Player-Supporter Relations
The peak 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 When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!”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 sharp difference to the acclaim bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd highlighted the hostile climate.