Julian Brandt could have joined PSV after leaving Borussia Dortmund, but Ajax moved earlier and secured the German midfielder on a three-year contract.

Ajax's summer recruitment has already changed the Eredivisie title race, with technical director Jordi Cruijff bringing in a number of experienced players ahead of Saturday's meeting with reigning champions PSV.

Among those arrivals is Julian Brandt, who joined Ajax on a free transfer following his departure from Borussia Dortmund. According to De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij, however, the Germany international was also wanted by PSV.

The Eindhoven club ultimately missed out because Ajax had already established contact with Brandt months before PSV made its move.

Speaking on De Telegraaf's Kick-off podcast, Verweij explained how timing played a decisive role in Ajax's pursuit of the midfielder.

"The sooner you make that contact, the greater the chance you’ll sign a player like that. PSV also wanted Brandt, but Ajax was already in talks with him by 1 April."

Verweij believes the early approach allowed Ajax to present its plans to Brandt and build a relationship before other clubs could make their move.

"That’s how you build a connection, you tell your story. He believed in that story and signed for three years with Ajax."

The revelation adds another layer to the recruitment battle between the two Dutch giants, who will meet at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Saturday evening.

Brandt became available without a transfer fee after leaving Borussia Dortmund, making him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

Verweij also discussed the financial structure surrounding free transfers, explaining that clubs can sometimes use signing bonuses to manage the overall salary burden.

"I don't know if that happened with Brandt. But with free-transfer players, it could be a few million; it could also be a few hundred thousand," he said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

In Brandt's case, Verweij says PSV's delayed approach was ultimately decisive.

"PSV was too late and was also not willing to pay the salary that Ajax offers," the journalist said.

The midfielder therefore became another significant addition to an Ajax squad that has undergone considerable change during the summer.

Ajax's recruitment has been extensive, with Cruijff also overseeing the arrival of Marc Ter Stegen as the Amsterdam club attempts to challenge PSV for the Eredivisie title.

PSV, meanwhile, have strengthened their own squad with additions including Sven Mijnans, Kodai Sano, Filip Kostić and Lutsharel Geertruida.

The timing of the Brandt deal nevertheless highlights the fine margins involved in the transfer market. Ajax's decision to establish contact early ultimately helped secure a player who, according to Verweij, had also been on PSV's radar.

Now, Brandt and his new teammates will have the chance to test themselves against the champions when Ajax host PSV on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the first major Eredivisie clash of the season.