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 Prodigy to Barcelona’s Enigma
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s extremely desired midfield maestros, fresh from a Champions League final four run with Ajax that highlighted his ability to control games with poise and foresight. His €75 million transfer represented a future investment in a talent prepared of stabilizing Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a critical juncture in fan sentiment. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to recurring setbacks, with medical staff pushing for a procedure – an option De Jong avoided in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Financial Deadlock: Deferred Payments and Loyalty Questioned
The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless leadership. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a escalating €30 million debt that accumulates through 2026. This financial framework, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, restricted the club’s ability to ratify new acquisitions.
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## The Boobygate: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations
The zenith of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the ovation given to Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd emphasized the toxic atmosphere.