Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unrealized possibilities, mounting strain, and a fanbase split
between reverence for his skillful mastery and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. 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 extremely desired central orchestrators, coming off a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that demonstrated his ability to govern games with grace and vision. His €75 million acquisition represented a future investment in a individual equipped of stabilizing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a watershed moment in fan perception. A severe ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His rushed return led to ongoing complications, with medical staff recommending for surgical intervention – an option De Jong avoided in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Wage Stalemate: Delayed Compensation and Allegiance Doubted
The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible administration. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million debt that accumulates through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hampered the club’s capability to register new signings.
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## The Jeering Incident: Nadir 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 subjected to mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the acclaim received by Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd emphasized the hostile climate.
