"Needs to get shipped", "Time at Barcelona is indeed over" - Fans want Barca player sold for performance despite win over Athletic Club

Barcelona fans were left disappointed with Frenkie de Jong's performance during their 2-0 win over Athletic Club in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final on Wednesday, January 8. The Dutchman came on as a substitute for Gavi in the 73rd minute.

Crucial goals by Gavi (17') and Lamine Yamal (52') secured Barcelona's qualification for the Supercupa de Espana final. However, Frenkie de Jong was specifically criticized for making a massive blunder in the game. The Dutchman lost the ball in a dangerous position which led to Inaki Williams finding the net in the 89th minute. Although the goal was ruled out due to offside, De Jong's mistake did not go unnoticed.

Fans took to X to criticize to Frenkie de Jong's performance in the match with many wanting him sold as soon as possible. One X user wrote:

"De jong needs to get shipped no matter what."

"De Jong, leave the football before it leaves you," another user jibed.

"Frenkie de Jong is never going to take back his spot in the strongest starting XI at Barca. That should be enough reason for him to pack his bags," a fan added.

"Frenkie de Jong is a big liability at Barça, how can a player we spent almost €80m be this bad? We need to ship him out, I'm so tired of his constant mistakes," a user added.

One Culer claimed the midfielder's time at Barca was over and wrote:

"Frenkie de Jong's time at Barcelona is indeed over. It's going to be a huge mistake if Barcelona management doesn't cash in on him now.

"De jong can stay in Saudi at the end of the tournament," a netizen remarked.

"After Dembele and Coutinho, Frenkie de jong is the 3rd worst signing in Barcelona history," another Culer commented.

In 17 minutes on the pitch, Frenkie de Jong maintained 55% passing accuracy. He missed one big chance and lost possession five times.

(The aforementioned in-game statistics are taken from SofaScore and are subject to change as per the website's prerogative.)

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Who will Barcelona face in the Supercopa de Espana final?

Spanish Super Cup 2023 - Source: Getty

Barcelona will face either Real Madrid or Mallorca in the Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup) final. The game is set to be held on January 12 at King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia. Barca's two potential opponents will clash against each other on January 9 in the second semi-final.

The Catalan giants last won the tournament in the 2022-23 season under the guidance of former coach Xavi. They beat Real Madrid 3-1 in the final, with Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Pedri finding the net. Karim Benzema denied Barcelona a clean sheet during stoppage time.

However, Real Madrid managed to take revenge against their league rivals in the 2023-24 Supercopa de Espana final. Los Blancos won 4-1 against Barca with Vinicius Jr. scoring a hat-trick alongside Rodrygo's fourth goal of the night.

This season, Barca have already defeated Real Madrid 4-0 in LaLiga. It will be interesting to see whether things go in their favor if they face their rivals in the Supercopa final. However, the Catalans will also be desperate to secure a win as it would mark their first silverware this season and under new coach Hansi Flick after a trophyless 2023-24 season.