Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a chronicle of unmet expectations, increasing friction, and a fanbase split

Frenkie de Jong’s odyssey at Barcelona has been a saga of unmet expectations, mounting strain, and a fanbase divided

between appreciation for his tactical genius and exasperation over his apparent deficiencies. https://fandejong.com/

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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Wunderkind to Barcelona’s Puzzle

The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s extremely desired midfield maestros, fresh from a Champions League final four run with Ajax that highlighted his ability to control games with poise and vision. His €75 million signing represented a future investment in a talent capable of anchoring Barcelona’s central core.

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## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Discontent

De Jong’s 2023/24 campaign marked a turning point in fan sentiment. A debilitating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined 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 traditional recovery methods.

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## Contractual Impasse: Deferred Payments and Loyalty Questioned

The heart of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent administration. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a burgeoning €30 million liability that grows through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s salary restrictions, hampered the club’s capacity to ratify new recruits.

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## The Boobygate: Nadir in Player-Supporter Relations

The peak of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was met with mocking jeers and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the ovation received by Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s visible irritation with the crowd emphasized the poisonous environment.