Bulut, who turned 27 last month, is a former Young Socceroos striker who was considered a future Socceroo after scoring 15 goals for three under-age national teams. 

He is currently serving a four-year doping ban.

The ban was handed down during his time in Turkish football last year, in what was the latest stop on a nomadic and frustrating few years for the talented but seemingly wayward striker.

Instead of being in the peak of his career,  he now must sit out football and hope his ban is reduced in order to return sooner rather than later.

After showing promise at the AIS, the Western Sydney-raised Bulut began his career at Sydney FC’s youth side in 2009/10.

He was the Golden Boot in the 2010 AFC U19 Championships where his blistering form up front helped Australia reach the final. 

Alongside Terry Antonis and Kofi Danning for the Young Socceroos

He signed twice for Wanderers and became an instant hero during his first stint in 2015 when he scored a brace on debut against derby rivals, and former club, Sydney FC.

This was followed by club stints in the Czech Republic, Turkey, Germany, Greece and back in the A-League under Tony Popovic at Wanderland.

Alongside him in the Sky Blues a decade ago was another striker on the rise, current Philippines international Iain Ramsay.

“Back in the day when I played with Kerem at Sydney, he just had that hunger,” Ramsay told FTBL from Thailand. 

“He was hungry to score and so determined - if he didn’t score he wouldn’t be happy that’s for sure."

Ramsay - who went on to become a fan favourite with Adelaide United followed by stints with Melbourne Heart/City and in Iran,  Malaysia and Philippines - says he’s followed Bulut’s career closely since their Sky Blues days.

“It’s interesting to see what’s happened in the last few years with him. But hopefully, for him he can get himself back on track whether it’s back home in the A-League or somewhere else.

“I just hope for him… look, he’s a good guy. I hope for him he sorts himself out. I’ve always got fond memories of him for sure.”

Playing for Sydney FC youth against Trent Sainsbury's AIS

Bulut, who first moved overseas at 17 to play in the Czech Republic, recently said he was considering removing some of his face tattoos.

In 2010 and 2015 he also came to the attention of police.

Bulut told Fox Sports recently: "I want to play in the A-League to prove my point to people here. Prove that I have changed, that it’s not just words. That I have matured into a man, and now I know right from wrong.

“I know I have the talent there, and it hurts me to watch the Socceroos because I played with a lot of those boys. We’re short on strikers, and I still think I could be that man.”

Bulut is right.

He could have been what the Socceroos needed as they search for proven goal threats ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualification campaign, which starts later this year.

“He’s always had that kind of bad-boy image,” added Ramsay, who’s now playing in the Thai League at Sukhothai FC.

“But if you get to know him, he’s the complete opposite. He’s a really good guy and an easy guy to get along with.”

“He can score goals. Left foot, right foot. He’s strong, he’s quick, and he has everything to be a great striker,” added Ramsay, who played in January’s Asian Cup with the Azkals.

“On top of that, he’s hungry and determined to score and that’s what you always want.

Bulut and Berisha

Ramsay stressed Bulut’s desire to win is similar to a certain former Melbourne Victory and A-League legend.

“He’s got that similar trait that Besart Berisha has. That willingness and hunger to score. That focus on scoring and sheer determination,” added Ramsay.

“I genuinely hope he can work things out.”