Jem Karacan

Jem Paul Karacan (Turkish: Cem Karacan, IPA: [ˈdʒem kaɾaˈdʒan]; born 21 February 1989) is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Süper Lig club Bursaspor, on loan from Galatasaray. He has played internationally for the Turkish youth team, and has captained the U-21 side.

Early life

Karacan was born in Catford, London to a Turkish Cypriot father and an English mother. Between the ages of seven and fourteen he played for the now defunct Wimbledon and left after they relocated to Milton Keynes. He had been offered a four-year contract at the club his father supported, Galatasaray, but refused citing language difficulties, "I couldn't go out there at only 14, not speaking the language and so on". Karacan joined Reading's Youth Academy instead, having been spotted playing against the Royals while on trial at Manchester United.

Club career

Reading

On 6 July 2007, he signed a two-year professional contract with Reading, and made his debut against Luton Town on 26 August in the League Cup, getting on the scoresheet.