Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unmet expectations, increasing friction, and a fanbase split
between reverence for his skillful mastery and frustration with his perceived limitations. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona’s Conundrum
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s extremely desired playmakers, coming off a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that demonstrated his ability to govern games with elegance and insight. His €75 million transfer represented a strategic purchase in a talent equipped of stabilizing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Discontent
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a watershed moment in fan sentiment. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to recurring setbacks, with medical staff recommending for surgical intervention – an option De Jong resisted in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Loyalty Questioned
The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless administration. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a escalating €30 million liability that grows through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hampered the club’s ability to register new acquisitions.
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## The Boobygate: Low Point 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 When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!”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 acclaim given to Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd highlighted the hostile climate.
