Frenkie De Jong, has opened up about lies told about him in the media regarding his salary, injuries and more.
The Dutchman hasn’t been in club action since April 2024, when he suffered an ankle injury during the El Clasico. Much has been said about the 27-year-old since his time on the sidelines. He has been reported to be avoiding surgery and while raking in a jumbo weekly pay at the club – a report he has now come forward to dispel.
De Jong speaks on his Barcelona struggles
Speaking in a recent interview, Frenkie de Jong said it was Barcelona’s decision that he shouldn’t do surgery after injury and not his. Also, he dispelled rumours of his overbloated paycheck with the Catalan club.
“They said a lot about me… they said that I don’t want to have surgery and that they pay me a lot of money”.
“They said I get €37m salary and it’s fake! So it’s very far from that. I’m not even close to earning that, at all”.
“People do think I’m earning crazy money and they say I should have surgery but I don’t want to! Also, they say I’m on vacation, I’m not training… but it’s fake news”.
“Everyone at Barça agreed that not having any surgery after that injury was the best option for me”.
“Having three injuries to the same ankle caused me a bit of mental trauma. But I’ll be back soon, for sure”.
“I’m gradually regaining my confidence to kick the ball hard, go strong into tackles… and my return is closer”.
Barcelona fans would be hoping to have the Dutchman back to his best as soon as possible, given their current injury crisis.
When fit, the quality the ex-Ajax star possesses is also undeniable. He is known for his ability to control the tempo of a game and make incisive passes into the final third.
Frenkie De Jong’s Barcelona career
De Jong was signed for Barcelona on a January winter transfer deal from Ajax on January 23, 2019, for €75m. The midfielder was tied down to a five-year contract. However, he spent the remainder of the season at Ajax, with the contract coming into effect from July 1, 2019.
De Jong made his competitive debut for the Blaugrana on August 16, 2019, featuring in a 1-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao. He went on to feature 42 times for the club in his debut season, scoring twice.
The next season, de Jong was nearly untouchable in Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona team. Koeman’s decision to move him into an interior position in the midfield, rather than the pivot position he had played the season before, was key to the revival of his form.
He recorded a career-high seven goals that season in all competitions, featuring 51 times in what was arguably the best season of his Barcelona career.
The following season, De Jong would continue to be an important figure for a Barcelona side that struggled following the departure of star Lionel Messi. He contributed to nine goals in 47 matches in a rather disappointing season for the Blaugranas, scoring four and assisting on five different occasions.
The midfielder played a key part as Xavi’s Barcelona claimed the La Liga title the following season, forming a solid midfield partnership with La Masia prodigies Pedri and Gavi.
He scored twice and provided four assists in all competitions that season. He struggled for form during the 2023/24 season, due to multiple injuries and fitness issues and could only manage two goals in 30 appearances.
De Jong’s Barcelona contract and salary
The 27-year-old is currently on a six-year deal with the club, after signing a new contract in January 2020. He is the club’s highest-paid player with an estimated weekly wage of €721,154 and €37,500,000 yearly.
De Jong’s honours and trophies at Barcelona
Frenkie De Jong has had a largely underwhelming stint in Spain in terms of silverware. He has won just three trophies with Barcelona in five seasons. He won Copa Del Rey in 2021, La Liga and Spanish Super Cup in 2023.
Frenkie De Jong’s injury history at Barcelona
De Jong’s Barcelona career has been mired with injuries. He has missed 60 different games since moving to Spain, spending 375 days on the sidelines in total. He is currently suffering from an ankle injury that has kept him out of action for 177 days.
