Kerem Bulut has returned to the A-League, signing a two-year contract with the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Bulut made a significant impact during a short stint at the Wanderers in 2015 before heading to Greek Superleague side Iraklis for the past season.
Unfortunately, the former Australian youth international was unable to consolidate a regular starting birth for the side from Thessaloniki, and fell victim to the country’s unstable financial situation, leaving the club due to unpaid wages.
Bulut’s return to Pirtek Stadium is music to the ears of the Wanderers’ faithful, who quickly adopted him as a cult icon after his two-goal debut against crosstown rivals Sydney FC.
The 23-year-old is relishing the prospect of playing for his hometown club again, and his return is buoyed by his affection for the club’s fanbase.
“One of the main reasons I am coming back is the fans…I am so much loved by them and I love them back,” he told SBS The World Game.
“It it’s important for a player to have that emotional connection with the supporters, it’s a feeling that’s hard to express.
Bulut also believes that coach Tony Popovic is the right man to take him to the next level in his game.
“I have a lot of admiration for Poppa, he knows how to get the best out of me and I am excited to be going back to a club where I am wanted, loved and can be relaxed”.
He will likely operate as a No.9, as the Wanderers look to go one better after falling at the final hurdle in last season’s Grand Final.
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