Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a narrative of missed opportunities, increasing friction, and a fanbase split

between admiration for his technical prowess and disappointment in his evident flaws. https://fandejong.com/

—

## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Sensation to Barcelona’s Conundrum

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 highlighted his aptitude to control games with poise and foresight. His €75 million acquisition represented a long-term commitment in a player equipped of securing Barcelona’s central core.

—

## The Physical Decline: Catalyst for Discord

De Jong’s 2023-24 term marked a turning point in fan opinion. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His hasty rehabilitation led to ongoing complications, with medical staff pushing for surgical intervention – an option De Jong resisted in favor of traditional recovery methods.

—

## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Commitment Scrutinized

The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s salary package – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s economically reckless leadership. To manage COVID-19 losses, Barcelona delayed €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million liability that accumulates through 2026. This payment structure, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, restricted the club’s ability to ratify new recruits.

—

## The Boobygate: Trough in Player-Supporter Relations

The zenith of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Brest. When withdrawn in the 88th minute, De Jong was subjected to derisive whistles and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a stark contrast to the applause received by Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd emphasized the poisonous environment.