Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a saga of unmet expectations, increasing friction, and a fanbase polarized
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 Conundrum
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 demonstrated his aptitude to govern games with poise and vision. His €75 million acquisition represented a long-term commitment in a player prepared of anchoring Barcelona’s midfield engine room.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a critical juncture in fan perception. 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 recommending for a procedure – an option De Jong resisted in favor of traditional recovery methods.
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## Wage Stalemate: Postponed Salaries and Loyalty Questioned
The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible tenure. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona deferred €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million obligation that grows through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hindered the club’s capability to enroll 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 scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the applause bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd underscored the hostile climate.