Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a chronicle of missed opportunities, mounting strain, and a fanbase divided
between admiration for his technical prowess and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unrealized Potential: From Ajax Wunderkind to Barcelona’s Puzzle
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted midfield maestros, following a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that demonstrated his capacity to dictate games with elegance and insight. His €75 million transfer represented a future investment in a player equipped of anchoring Barcelona’s playmaking hub.
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## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Discord
De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a watershed moment in fan perception. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde incapacitated him for six months. His rushed return led to persistent relapses, with medical staff recommending for a procedure – an option De Jong rejected in favor of conservative therapy.
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## Contractual Impasse: Deferred Payments and Allegiance Doubted
The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a holdover from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent tenure. To address COVID-19 losses, Barcelona deferred €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million debt that accumulates through 2026. This financial framework, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, hampered the club’s ability to ratify 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 match against Brest. When substituted in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the applause given to Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd highlighted the poisonous environment.