Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unmet expectations, mounting strain, and a fanbase divided
between reverence for his skillful mastery and disappointment in his evident flaws. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Wunderkind 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 penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that demonstrated his ability to control games with grace and foresight. His €75 million acquisition represented a future investment in a talent equipped of stabilizing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a watershed moment in fan perception. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde incapacitated him for six months. His premature comeback led to ongoing complications, with medical staff recommending for an operation – an option De Jong resisted in favor of conservative therapy.
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## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Commitment Scrutinized
The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless tenure. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million debt that grows through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hindered the club’s capability to register new acquisitions.
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## The Derision Episode: Nadir in Player-Supporter Relations
The peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the ovation bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd highlighted the poisonous environment.
