Augsburg was interested in signing Dejan Ljubičić. However, he opted to join Dinamo Zagreb instead. Despite receiving more lucrative offers from five German clubs, including Augsburg, Ljubičić was swayed by a conversation with Zvonimir Boban and his lifelong passion for Dinamo. This decision came after a successful stint with Köln, where he helped the team return to the Bundesliga. Boban's vision for Dinamo and Ljubičić's personal connection to the club were decisive factors in his choice to join the Croatian side.