Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a saga of unrealized possibilities, growing tensions, and a fanbase divided
between reverence for his skillful mastery and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Sensation to Barcelona’s Enigma
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted central orchestrators, coming off a Champions League final four run with Ajax that demonstrated his aptitude to control games with grace and insight. His €75 million signing represented a future investment in a player capable of securing Barcelona’s midfield engine room.
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## The Fitness Crisis: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a critical juncture in fan perception. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to persistent relapses, with medical staff advocating for an operation – an option De Jong resisted in favor of non-invasive treatment.
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## Financial Deadlock: Deferred Payments and Loyalty Questioned
The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s contract terms – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s financially irresponsible leadership. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million debt that compounds through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hampered 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 fixture against Brest. When replaced in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the applause bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd highlighted the hostile climate.