Hoffenheim showed interest in Dejan Ljubičić, but he opted to join Dinamo Zagreb. Despite receiving more lucrative offers from five German clubs, including a prepared medical examination by Union Berlin and a strong effort to retain him by his current club Köln, Ljubičić made the decision to join Dinamo Zagreb. The decisive factor was a call from Zvonimir Boban, whose vision for the club and Ljubičić's personal affinity for Dinamo outweighed the financial incentives offered by other clubs. Ljubičić's move to Dinamo was motivated not by financial considerations but by his long-standing desire to play for the Croatian club, which he regarded as his number one in a fan sense. His transfer was met with understanding from Köln, which recognized his contributions to the club and extended a new contract offer, but his heart was set on Zagreb.