Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unrealized possibilities, increasing friction, and a fanbase polarized
Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a saga of unrealized possibilities, growing tensions, 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 Prodigy to Barcelona’s Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s most sought-after midfield maestros, coming off a Champions League final four run with Ajax that showcased his capacity to govern games with poise and insight. His €75 million acquisition represented a long-term commitment in a individual equipped of anchoring Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a turning point in fan perception. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to recurring setbacks, with medical staff recommending for a procedure – an option De Jong resisted in favor of conservative therapy.
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## Wage Stalemate: Postponed Salaries and Allegiance Doubted
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s contract terms – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent administration. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a escalating €30 million debt that grows through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hampered the club’s capacity to enroll 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 When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a marked opposition to the acclaim bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd emphasized the poisonous environment.