‘Liverpool are putting all their eggs in Bellingham’s basket’ – Hutchison explains why Liverpool won’t sign Victor Osimhen

Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison thinks Liverpool are missing out on the opportunity to sign Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window as the Reds prioritize the signing of young phenom Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund over other transfer targets.

Like Osimhen, Bellingham were heavily linked with a farewell from the German squad in the summer and could escalate into a bidding war for the central midfielder’s services with several high-profile clubs interested in the 19-year-old.

Real Madrid have made an offer for Bellingham, as have Manchester City and Liverpool, according to Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

Including performance bonuses, Borussia Dortmund value the England international at €150m, the same transfer fee Napoli are asking for Osimhen.

The Nigerian international has developed into one of the best forwards in European football this season, scoring 25 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions.

Asked about his opinion on Bellingham likely going to Liverpool and Osimhen not, Hutchison told ESPN FC Extra Time: “Liverpool are putting all the eggs in Bellingham’s basket by giving them the number 8, Steven Gerrard’s bracelet.

“I don’t think they can sell Steven Gerrard number 8 and give it to Osimhen. I don’t think it will work at all.”

The 24-year-old Osimhen still has a roughly two-year contract with Napoli, to which he transferred from Lille in 2020 for a record €70m.

Also.. 

Liverpool players left furious after assistant referee ‘elbows’ Andy Robertson in the throat

Liverpool’s clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal turned heated towards the end of the first half when one of the assistant referees appeared to elbow Andy Robertson in the face

Andy Robertson appeared to have been hit in the jaw by the assistant referee during half-time in the

Liverpool-Arsenal match.
Lineman Constantine Hatzidakis was on his way to referee Paul Tierney just after he exploded at the break, carrying the ball with him. Liverpool star Robertson approached Hatzidakis and appeared to grab the referee as he paced down the pitch.

However, Hatzidakis reacted angrily and swung his arm back in what appeared to be an elbow flick at Robertson’s face. The Scotland international remained furious, with Liverpool players surrounding the trio of match officials as they attempted to leave Anfield pitch. 

Robertson, Diogo Jota and Jordan Henderson protested Hatzidakis and Tierney as they left the field. The Reds left-back was then booked by Tierney, angering Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Henderson and Jota.

Eventually, the quartet were led away by a member of the Liverpool coaching staff. Sky co-commentator Jamie Carragher gave the first indication of what had transpired by tweeting: “Linesman elbow on Robertson!”

According to Sky Sports journalist Geoff Shreeves, Robertson was furious when he left the pitch. Shreeves claimed the Scotsman said “he just elbowed me in the throat, the linesman elbowed me in the throat”.

Andy Robertson appeared to get an elbow in the face from the assistant referee (

While Robertson appeared to be a casualty in the crash, Roy Keane blew up the Liverpool star at half-time. He accused the left-back of being a “big boy”. “You know what? Does he catch the linesman first? I’m not sure, but Robertson complains then. He should be more concerned about his defense. Do you know what he is, that Robertson? ” Keane told Sky Sports

“I’ve watched him a few times, he’s a big baby. That’s what that guy is. Just focus on the game and keep defending. He grabs the linesman first.

Arsenal soon had a two-goal lead and Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring after just eight minutes. The winger then turned supplier and sent a fine cross to Gabriel Jesus to head into second placed Gunners. But an incident involving Granit Xhaka woke the Anfield crowd from its slumber. Mohamed Salah then pulled a goal back for the home side, but missed a second-half penalty following Robertson’s injury.