Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unmet expectations, increasing friction, and a fanbase divided
between appreciation for his tactical genius and disappointment in his evident flaws. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona’s Conundrum
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s extremely desired midfield maestros, fresh from a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that showcased his ability to control games with elegance and vision. His €75 million acquisition represented a future investment in a talent equipped of stabilizing Barcelona’s midfield engine room.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a turning point in fan opinion. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His premature comeback led to ongoing complications, with medical staff advocating for a procedure – an option De Jong rejected in favor of non-invasive treatment.
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## Financial Deadlock: Deferred Payments and Allegiance Doubted
The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent administration. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €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, hampered the club’s capacity to ratify new acquisitions.
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## The Derision Episode: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations
The peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the ovation bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd underscored the toxic atmosphere.