Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unrealized possibilities, growing tensions, and a fanbase polarized

Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a saga of missed opportunities, 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 Unattained Prospect: From Ajax Sensation to Barcelona’s Enigma

The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s extremely desired playmakers, coming off a Champions League semi-final campaign with Ajax that highlighted his aptitude to control games with grace and vision. His €75 million signing represented a future investment in a player capable of anchoring Barcelona’s central core.

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## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Disillusionment

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

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## Wage Stalemate: Deferred Payments and Commitment Scrutinized

The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a vestige from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless leadership. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million debt that accumulates through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s wage cap regulations, hampered the club’s ability to register new signings.

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## The Jeering Incident: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations

The peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a marked opposition to the applause bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd underscored the poisonous environment.