Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a narrative of unmet expectations, growing tensions, and a fanbase split
between appreciation for his tactical genius and frustration with his perceived limitations. 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 central orchestrators, fresh from a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that showcased his ability to govern games with grace and insight. His €75 million signing represented a future investment in a talent prepared of stabilizing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a turning point in fan perception. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde incapacitated him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to persistent relapses, with medical staff pushing for surgical intervention – an option De Jong avoided in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Financial Deadlock: Delayed Compensation and Allegiance Doubted
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless leadership. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a escalating €30 million liability that accumulates through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hampered the club’s capacity to ratify new recruits.
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## The Derision Episode: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations
The peak 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 When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a marked opposition to the ovation bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd underscored the poisonous environment.
