Liverpool about to make MASSIVE mistake amid Trent Alexander-Arnold contract talks | OneFootball

An recent transfer rumour has reared its head again in the form of Ajax defender Devyne Rensch.

A new report by CaughtOffside says that Liverpool are again scouting the 21-year old whose to his contract expiring next summer.

The Dutchman was linked to Liverpool around the time of the last January transfer window, and Anfield Watch’s own report stated that, “The big draw with Rensch is his ability to play multiple positions at such a young age. It's a trait you usually associate with veterans - players with the experience to carry over into several roles.”

And last season this was true. Whilst Rensch primarily operates as a right-back, he played at centre-back 14 times last season and his ability to operate in a Joe Gomez-like role was desired at the time.

But Rensch has spent all of his time at right-back again this season. And with the potential departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold due to his expiring contract, it would mean Rensch has to be treated as a direct replacement of the star full-back.

But transfer expert Milan Keskin doesn’t think the transfer wouldn’t exactly be a good move for the Reds.

“Honestly, I don’t think Devyne Rensch would be of much value to Liverpool.” Keskin said, “The defender made his debut for the Dutch national team at just 18 years old... However, he subsequently lost his starting spot at Ajax, and his development stalled.”

“He’s not among Ajax’s standout players and is mainly interesting due to his expiring contract. Rensch can be seen as a conservative wing-back, not the type of right-back who ventures forward often or adds much in attacking situations. In that sense, he doesn’t really fit Arne Slot’s playing style either.”

“I wouldn’t see him as a straight replacement for TAA, but more as an alternative if Slot needs to adapt to a different style of play.”

Could Rensch replace Trent?

This is reflected in Rensch’s output this season. He holds 1.38 progressive carries per-90 compared to Trent’s 2.4, instead preferring to pass the ball and retain his position. He also holds a full 0.1 expected assists per-90 less than Trent this year, at 0.15 to the Liverpool man’s 0.26.

Defensively he is also only overaging 2.25 tackles per-90 to Trent’s 3.23 - and with Ajax’s comparatively poor form compared to the dominance they had in Dutch football over the past decade, this indicates an unwillingness to actually commit to duels at the level required for the physicality of the Premier League.

As a result, we say Liverpool should give this one a miss.

Liverpool’s interest on getting the player on a free transfer is also interesting. If Alexander-Arnold were to be leaving then the club would surely be willing to spare no expense to ensure the blow is softened.

Instead, it indicates either a confidence in retaining Trent’s services or is a rather worrying indictment of the club’s finances.