Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a narrative of unmet expectations, increasing friction, and a fanbase divided

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

between appreciation for his tactical genius and disappointment in his evident flaws. https://fandejong.com/

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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Sensation to Barcelona’s Puzzle

The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s most sought-after playmakers, coming off a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that showcased his capacity to govern games with elegance and foresight. His €75 million transfer represented a strategic purchase in a individual equipped of anchoring Barcelona’s playmaking hub.

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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Disillusionment

De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a critical juncture in fan sentiment. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to ongoing complications, with medical staff advocating for surgical intervention – an option De Jong resisted in favor of non-invasive treatment.

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## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Allegiance Doubted

The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent tenure. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million obligation that compounds through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, restricted the club’s capability 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 When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the ovation given to Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd highlighted the toxic atmosphere.