Jem Paul Karacan (Turkish: Cem Karacan, IPA: ; born 21 February 1989) is a Turkish professional who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners and formley played for Bolton. Prior to his move to Bolton he played for Turkish club Galatasaray and Reading, as well as various loan spells. He has played internationally for the Turkish youth team, and has captained the U-21 side.
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.