Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a chronicle of missed opportunities, growing tensions, and a fanbase divided
between reverence for his skillful mastery and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona’s Enigma
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s most sought-after central orchestrators, fresh from a Champions League final four run with Ajax that showcased his ability to govern games with poise and foresight. His €75 million acquisition represented a strategic purchase in a talent prepared of securing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a critical juncture in fan sentiment. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His rushed return led to ongoing complications, with medical staff recommending for an operation – an option De Jong rejected in favor of conservative therapy.
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## Wage Stalemate: Postponed Salaries and Loyalty Questioned
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible administration. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona deferred €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million obligation that compounds through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hampered the club’s capability to enroll new acquisitions.
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## The Derision Episode: Trough in Player-Supporter Relations
The zenith of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a marked opposition to the acclaim received by Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd emphasized the poisonous environment.