Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a saga of missed opportunities, growing tensions, and a fanbase split
between appreciation for his tactical genius and frustration with his perceived limitations. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Wunderkind to Barcelona’s Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s most sought-after central orchestrators, fresh from a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that highlighted his capacity to govern games with grace and vision. His €75 million transfer represented a long-term commitment in a player capable of securing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a turning point in fan perception. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to recurring setbacks, with medical staff advocating for a procedure – an option De Jong avoided in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Financial Deadlock: Deferred Payments and Commitment Scrutinized
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent administration. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona deferred €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million obligation that accumulates through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, restricted the club’s capacity to ratify new signings.
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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 fixture against Brest. When replaced in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the ovation received by Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd underscored the poisonous environment.