Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a narrative of missed opportunities, increasing friction, and a fanbase polarized

Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a chronicle of missed opportunities, increasing friction, and a fanbase polarized

between admiration for his technical prowess and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/

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## The Unrealized Potential: From Ajax Wunderkind to Barcelona’s Puzzle

The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s extremely desired midfield maestros, coming off a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that showcased his ability to dictate games with elegance and vision. His €75 million acquisition represented a strategic purchase in a individual equipped of securing Barcelona’s midfield engine room.

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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Discontent

De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a watershed moment in fan sentiment. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde incapacitated him for six months. His premature comeback led to persistent relapses, with medical staff recommending for surgical intervention – an option De Jong rejected in favor of conservative therapy.

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## Wage Stalemate: Postponed Salaries and Allegiance Doubted

The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible leadership. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million liability that compounds through 2026. This financial framework, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hindered the club’s capacity to enroll new recruits.

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## The Derision Episode: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations

The climax of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the ovation received by Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd underscored the poisonous environment.