Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a saga of missed opportunities, growing tensions, and a fanbase divided
between admiration for his technical prowess and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Sensation to Barcelona’s Enigma
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted midfield maestros, fresh from a Champions League final four run with Ajax that highlighted his ability to dictate games with grace and foresight. His €75 million transfer represented a strategic purchase in a player prepared of stabilizing Barcelona’s midfield engine room.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a turning point in fan perception. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to ongoing complications, with medical staff pushing for an operation – an option De Jong rejected in favor of non-invasive treatment.
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## Wage Stalemate: Deferred Payments and Allegiance Doubted
The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s contract terms – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless leadership. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million debt that grows through 2026. This financial framework, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hindered the club’s ability to register new acquisitions.
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## The Derision Episode: Trough in Player-Supporter Relations
The climax of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the acclaim bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd emphasized the poisonous environment.
