Frenkie de Jong’s path at Barcelona has been a saga of unrealized possibilities, growing tensions, and a fanbase polarized
between admiration for his technical prowess and disappointment in his evident flaws. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Prodigy to Barcelona’s Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted central orchestrators, coming off a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that demonstrated his ability to govern games with grace and vision. His €75 million transfer represented a future investment in a talent capable of anchoring Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a turning point in fan sentiment. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde benched him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to persistent relapses, with medical staff recommending for surgical intervention – an option De Jong avoided in favor of conservative therapy.
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## Contractual Impasse: Postponed Salaries and Loyalty Questioned
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s employment agreement – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent administration. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a escalating €30 million obligation that compounds through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hampered the club’s ability to enroll new acquisitions.
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## The Boobygate: Nadir 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 met with mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the applause bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s apparent frustration with the crowd highlighted the toxic atmosphere.