Dejan Ljubicic edges closer to 2. Bundesliga return

Schalke’s strong transfer window continues with their third signing of a Bundesliga veteran. The Royal Blues already completed the transfers of Edin Dzeko and Kevin Müller, and ex-Köln winger Dejan Ljubicic will now complete the set after his medical on Monday.

Ljubicic is most known for his goal celebration in the dramatic 2022/23 finale before Jamal Musiala’s late winner helped Bayern Munich to eventually beat Borussia Dortmund for the title.

After helping Köln win an immediate promotion to the Bundesliga, the Austrian international joined Dinamo Zagreb at the start of this season. The 28-year-old started every game in the Europa League for the Croatian record champions.

Ljubicic was already in the tribune of Veltins Arena in Schalke’s draw with Kaiserslautern on Sunday afternoon. Schalke’s sporting director Frank Baumann confirmed the transfer after the game. "The medical check is tomorrow (Monday). I think we can finalize the contracts after that. He'll probably be on the training pitch from Wednesday onwards."

Similarly, Dinamo Zagreb’s coach Mario Kovacevic commented on it earlier in the weekend. "I am grateful to him for everything he has done for Dinamo. And I wish him all the best at Schalke,” said the 50-year-old.