Scunthorpe United have made their first January signing, bringing in experienced midfielder Jem Karacan on a free transfer until the end of the season. The deal is subject to EFL approval and international clearance.
Neil Cox has moved quickly to bring the vastly experienced midfielder in as his Scunthorpe side battle to avoid relegation in League Two.
Scunthorpe United Sign Midfielder Jem Karacan
EFL and Premier League Experience
The former Reading, Bournemouth and Millwall midfielder arrives on a deal until the end of the season ready to help his new team. Karacan spent eight years at Reading before eventually departing in 2015.
In that time, he played an integral role in the Championship providing steel and creativity in the midfield. He also featured for Reading in the Premier League when they were promoted under Brian McDermott in 2012.
Karacan left the Royals for a return to Turkey, joining Galatasaray. After that, he returned to England and joined Bolton Wanderers. His most recent club was in Australia as he turned out for Central Coast Mariners.
Karacan had been training with Scunthorpe since November to maintain his fitness. Those impressive performances in training have paid off and he was rewarded with a short term deal.
Karacan Pleased to Get the Deal Done
Speaking to iFollow Iron, Karacan said “It’s nice to get it done. I’ve been in for a few weeks getting to know the boys and getting up to speed, so it’s nice to get it all sorted.
“I was hoping to get it done sooner, but with everything that has been going on, it has taken a little bit longer, but it’s given me the chance to get to know the lads, to get to know the gaffer and to get up to speed with things.”
It’s been no secret that the former Reading player has been training with the club for a number of weeks and he feels that time will prove vital in terms of getting to know his new surroundings and getting his fitness up.
“I’m really close with Mark Howard – he’s one of my good pals and he’s helped me settle in. Everyone has been really good. It’s been easy to settle in – everyone has been amazing.
“I’m still only 31 and I’ve got a lot more to offer the team.
“There are a lot of young boys in here and hopefully I can help the boys and do what I know I can.
“There are 25 games to play and I’m here to get cracking straight away. I want to get back enjoying my football and I feel like the gaffer can help me do that. I want to play every game. I’m a winner and I want to win every game while I’m here.
“I’ve obviously not played in a little while, but I’m fit, kept myself in good shape, so hopefully the gaffer will throw me in there to get cracking straight away.”
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