Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a chronicle of missed opportunities, mounting strain, and a fanbase split

Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a chronicle of missed opportunities, 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 Wunderkind to Barcelona’s Enigma

The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s extremely desired central orchestrators, following a Champions League final four run with Ajax that highlighted his capacity to control games with poise and insight. His €75 million transfer represented a future investment in a talent equipped of anchoring Barcelona’s playmaking hub.

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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Discontent

De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a watershed moment in fan perception. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His rushed return led to persistent relapses, with medical staff advocating for a procedure – an option De Jong resisted in favor of traditional recovery methods.

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## Financial Deadlock: Delayed Compensation and Loyalty Questioned

The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible tenure. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million liability that grows through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s salary restrictions, hindered the club’s ability to register new signings.

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## The Jeering Incident: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations

The peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the ovation bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd highlighted the hostile climate.