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

Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unmet expectations, growing tensions, and a fanbase divided

between admiration for his technical prowess and disappointment in his evident flaws. 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 extremely desired midfield maestros, coming off a Champions League final four run with Ajax that demonstrated his capacity to control games with elegance and vision. His €75 million signing represented a strategic purchase in a talent capable of anchoring Barcelona’s midfield engine room.

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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Disillusionment

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

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## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Loyalty Questioned

The core of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless administration. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a escalating €30 million liability that grows through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hindered the club’s capability to register new signings.

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## The Derision Episode: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations

The climax of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the applause received by Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd highlighted the toxic atmosphere.