Fulham winger and former Arsenal star Alex Iwobi has reflected on a sliding doors moment in his career when he rejected a move to Celtic.
At 16, he was given the option to leave Arsenal, explore other clubs, or sign a scholarship deal. Despite considering his options, including a potential switch to Celtic, he ultimately chose to stay and prove himself in North London.
Iwobi chose to stay at Arsenal, eventually breaking into the first team in 2015. He went on to make 149 appearances for the Gunners before departing in 2019 for a move to Everton.
The Nigerian international is now at Fulham, joining Marco Silva’s side in 2023. They finished 8th in the Premier League last season and currently sit 10th in the table, making it a positive move for Iwobi’s career.
With 13 goals in 63 appearances over the last two seasons for the Cottagers, Iwobi has enjoyed a successful return to London. The Nigerian winger has reflected on his journey and the key decisions that shaped his career, including rejecting a move to Celtic.
He said: (Fulham Fix Podcast), “I got told I had the option to leave Arsenal or go to another club or sign a scholar. So I was like, ‘What do I do here?’” Despite the uncertainty, his family provided unwavering support. “My Dad and my Mum, my sister have always been around to say…”
Rejection was nothing new to him. “When I was younger, there’s many times I’ve been told, ‘You’re not good enough, you’re not good enough.’” This moment felt the same. “I was the only one playing for England at the time that didn’t get offered a professional contract where there was like six of them. So I only just had a scholar, and they said, ‘If you want to go, you can go.’”
Celtic was one of the options he considered. “So I was meant to go Celtic. I went to see Crystal Palace. I know there was one more team I can’t remember, but I remember going to Crystal Palace and the training ground at 16.”
Ultimately, his father’s words guided his decision. “My Dad said, ‘No, you’ve been in this position before where they said you’re not good enough, go prove them wrong again.’ So I was like, ‘Okay, cool, I’m going to sign my scholar.’”
It’s interesting to hear just how close Iwobi was to joining Celtic. His career took a different path, but he has built a respectable career for himself in the English Premier League.
Iwobi took his father’s advice, ultimately proving he was good enough for Arsenal. He played under Arsène Wenger and Unai Emery, establishing himself as a key squad member before moving on to Everton and Fulham.
It may be something he looks back on one day—never having played for the green and white Hoops—but the Arsenal academy graduate has consistently proven his critics wrong. At Fulham, he is thriving in a positive environment under Marco Silva.
