UPDATED 07:27 17th July 2012
The former Deportivo La Coruna defender was given a baptism of fire in the Barclays Premier League with his first appearance in the competition being against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in March 2011.
He earned his place in that game after impressive performances in the FA Cup third and fourth rounds against Hull City and in a 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers.
Lopez brings cultured development to Latics back line after growing up playing for RCD Espanyol and more recently Deportivo.
His encouraging adaptability to the English game was summed up at the start of the 2011/2012 season as he featured in the first two home games of the season as Latics went unbeaten against Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers.
The Spanish centre back went on to play four more times during the season, including games in the Carling Cup and FA Cup and twice in the Premier League with his final appearance of the season in the last game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.