Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unmet expectations, increasing friction, 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 Prodigy to Barcelona’s Conundrum
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted playmakers, coming off a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that demonstrated his ability to govern games with elegance and foresight. His €75 million acquisition represented a strategic purchase in a individual capable of anchoring Barcelona’s playmaking hub.
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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Discontent
De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a critical juncture in fan perception. A severe ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to persistent relapses, with medical staff pushing for an operation – an option De Jong resisted in favor of conservative therapy.
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## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Commitment Scrutinized
The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible administration. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona deferred €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million liability that compounds through 2026. This payment structure, 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 peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the acclaim given to Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd emphasized the toxic atmosphere.