Bayer Leverkusen defender Ömer Toprak, who has been closely followed by Turkey head coach Guus Hiddink and his coaching staff for a long time, has decided to play for Turkish national team in the senior level.

Turkish Football Federation has launched the legal procedures which will open the way for Ömer to play for the national team. Currently, the 22-year-old defender, doesn't have a Turkish citizenship. After the Ministry of Interior Affairs approves his application for citizenship, an ID and passport will be issued to the player. Then, the decision of the player will be communicated to FIFA promptly.

Born on 21 July 1989 in German city of Ravensburg, Ömer started playing football in his local club FV Ravensburg. In 2005, he joined SC Freiburg's youth setup and made his senior team debut two years later. He was a member of Germany Under-19 national team squad who won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2008.

Ömer, who made 68 league appearances, scoring 4 goals for Freiburg, had signed for Bayer Leverkusen before the start of new season.