Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a narrative of missed opportunities, mounting strain, 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 Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted central orchestrators, following a Champions League final four run with Ajax that demonstrated his capacity to govern games with grace and vision. His €75 million acquisition represented a long-term commitment in a individual equipped of stabilizing Barcelona’s playmaking hub.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Discontent
De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a turning point in fan perception. A severe 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 an operation – an option De Jong resisted in favor of non-invasive treatment.
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## Wage Stalemate: Delayed Compensation and Commitment Scrutinized
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible tenure. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona deferred €17 million of his earnings, creating a escalating €30 million debt that accumulates through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hampered the club’s capacity to enroll new acquisitions.
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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 fixture against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the ovation bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd underscored the hostile climate.
