On 27 January, Schalke 04 officially announced the signing of Dejan Ljubičić.
Official Statement
FC Schalke 04 have added international experience to their midfield with the signing of Dejan Ljubičić. The 28-year-old joins from Croatian Europa League side Dinamo Zagreb and has signed a contract at Schalke until 30th June 2028. He will wear the number 21 shirt.
“Across his previous clubs and with the Austria national team, Dejan has shown the range of qualities he brings in different positions. He reads space quickly, makes good decisions and helps structure the game from central areas. He also has a high level of game intelligence. We see Dejan as a reliable team player who can be used in a variety of roles,” said Youri Mulder, director of professional football.
“For me, Schalke 04 is a great challenge in the current situation. In very positive discussions, the club explained clearly what role they have in mind for me and how I can strengthen the team. I’ll give my all from day one,” explained Dejan Ljubičić.
The right-footed midfielder joined Dinamo Zagreb last summer and made 22 appearances across domestic competition and the Europa League, scoring twice. Prior to that, Ljubičić spent four years with 1. FC Köln, helping the club secure promotion to the Bundesliga in summer 2025. He also featured three times in the Europa Conference League during the 2022/23 season. Ljubičić came through Rapid Wien’s academy and then broke into their first team. He represented Austria at youth level and made his senior international debut in September 2021.