Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a saga of unmet expectations, increasing friction, and a fanbase divided

Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a narrative of unmet expectations, mounting strain, and a fanbase split

between admiration for his technical prowess and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/

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## The Unrealized Potential: From Ajax Sensation to Barcelona’s Puzzle

The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s most sought-after playmakers, fresh from a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that showcased his ability to control games with elegance and foresight. His €75 million signing represented a strategic purchase in a talent capable of stabilizing Barcelona’s central core.

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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Discord

De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a critical juncture in fan perception. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to persistent relapses, with medical staff pushing for a procedure – an option De Jong avoided in favor of non-invasive treatment.

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## Contractual Impasse: Postponed Salaries and Allegiance Doubted

The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a holdover 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 payment structure, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hampered the club’s ability to ratify new acquisitions.

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## The Jeering Incident: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations

The zenith of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a marked opposition to the acclaim bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd underscored the poisonous environment.