Karacan Signs For Galatasaray; Writes Open Letter To Reading Fans

The 26-year-old's contract ran out last week and the midfielder was free to discuss a move to a new club for some time as it became clear he was unsure about remaining in Berkshire. Moves to Bournemouth and Watford were touted but it appears the lure of moving to the biggest club in Turkey, a country he represented at youth level, was too grand for Karacan.

Reading offered the central midfielder a new deal despite spending 18 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, something boss Steve Clarke hinted was on a pay as you play basis. The Galatasaray contract is expected to be of a three-year length.

Now confirmed, having initially surfaced on the Istanbul Stock Exchange this morning, Royals fans will look back on a deal long in the making with mixed emotions. A captain departs but the club's ability to keep Jem was limited from the outset, especially when a Champions League club come calling.

UPDATE: Jem has written an open letter to Reading fans thanking them for the past eleven years of support. You can read the full letter on the official site here.

We'll have full reaction to Karacan's departure in the coming days, in the mean time what do you make of the move and the club's handling of it? Comment below.

Jem Paul Karacan's medical. pic.twitter.com/cZankGzRgM

— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) July 8, 2015