Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unrealized possibilities, growing tensions, and a fanbase divided
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 most sought-after playmakers, coming off a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that demonstrated his aptitude to dictate games with poise and foresight. His €75 million transfer represented a long-term commitment in a player prepared of stabilizing Barcelona’s midfield engine room.
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## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a watershed moment in fan sentiment. A severe ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde incapacitated him for six months. His premature comeback led to persistent relapses, with medical staff advocating for surgical intervention – an option De Jong resisted in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Financial Deadlock: Deferred Payments and Commitment Scrutinized
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent administration. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a escalating €30 million obligation that accumulates through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s salary restrictions, hampered the club’s capability to register new acquisitions.
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## The Jeering Incident: Low Point 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 When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the acclaim bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd emphasized the poisonous environment.