Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a saga of missed opportunities, mounting strain, 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 highly coveted playmakers, following a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that highlighted his capacity to govern games with grace and vision. His €75 million acquisition represented a future investment in a player prepared of securing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a turning point in fan opinion. A severe ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His premature comeback led to persistent relapses, with medical staff pushing for an operation – an option De Jong resisted in favor of non-invasive treatment.
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## Contractual Impasse: Deferred Payments and Commitment Scrutinized
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s contract terms – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless leadership. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona deferred €17 million of his earnings, creating a escalating €30 million liability that compounds through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, restricted the club’s capability to register new signings.
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## The Jeering Incident: Nadir in Player-Supporter Relations
The peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the ovation bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd underscored the poisonous environment.