(Reuters) - Spanish midfielder Oliver Torres has become the ninth player to join Julen Lopetegui's Sevilla side after signing from Porto, as the former Spain and Real Madrid coach continues his bid to rebuild his damaged career ahead of the new campaign.
Torres, 24, has known Lopetegui since playing under him at the 2013 under-20 World Cup for Spain and followed him to Porto a year later on loan from Atletico Madrid, eventually signing a permanent deal in 2017, a year after Lopetegui was sacked.
The Basque coach had a nightmarish 2018 after being sacked by Spain on the eve of the World Cup for negotiating a move to Real Madrid, only to be dismissed by Real less than four months into the job for disappointing results.
"I have had some great moments with Julen and returning to La Liga with Sevilla is an opportunity and a privilege," Torres said at his unveiling on Monday.
Sevilla did not disclose the value of his transfer fee, although reports in the Spanish media said the fee was 12 million euros (£10.7 million).
Sevilla, who finished sixth in La Liga last season, have parted ways with nine players and recruited a further nine, including defender Sergio Reguilon from Real Madrid and former Manchester City midfielder Fernando.
(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Christian Radnedge)