“You can go” – Super Eagles star reveals he nearly joined Celtic, Crystal Palace after Arsenal rejection

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has revealed that he seriously considered moving to Scottish giants Celtic or Premier League side Crystal Palace during his time at Arsenal’s academy, Footynaija.com reports.

The Super Eagles playmaker was left disheartened after being informed he would not receive a professional contract alongside his scholarship at Arsenal. While many of his England youth teammates were handed both deals, Iwobi was given an ultimatum — accept a scholarship or leave.

That uncertainty led the young winger to explore alternative options. But in a crucial moment, his father, Chuka Iwobi, stepped in to convince him to stay and fight for his place at Arsenal.

“When I was younger, there were so many times I was told I was not good enough, and that was just another moment,” Iwobi said on Fulham Fix Podcast (Episode 32).

“I was the only one playing for England at the time that didn’t get offered a professional contract. I only had a scholar, and they said, ‘If you want to go, you can go.’

“I was meant to go to Celtic, I went to see Crystal Palace, and there was one more team.

“I remember going to Crystal Palace’s training ground at 16, and my dad said, ‘I have been in this position before where they said you’re not good enough. Go and prove them wrong again.’ I’m going to sign my scholar.”

Iwobi has more goals & assists for Fulham than Foden & Sancho combined

But the English media won’t mention him pic.twitter.com/3EpcTfh2Gy

— UpYourArsenal⚪⚪♥️ (@UPYOURARSENAL04) January 14, 2025

That decision proved pivotal. Iwobi went on to establish himself at Arsenal before moving to Everton and later Fulham. He has since become the most utilized Nigerian player in Premier League history, accumulating 19,002 minutes across 279 matches, including 100 for Arsenal.

Now in his prime, Iwobi is enjoying his most productive season in terms of goal involvements, registering ten contributions in 26 league games.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations silver medalist could add to his goal and/or assist tally when Fulham take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium tonight (Tuesday, February 25, 2025).