Five goal contributions in just 12 league starts for the Owls demonstrated that the 30-year-old still has the quality to be a force at the level, and arguably even higher.

But, on the whole, Mendez-Laing struggled to assert himself amongst fierce competition for places and was unable to handle regular first team action physically.

In terms of wages, it is unlikely that a lower third tier club could afford to take on the 30-year-old, making a move abroad increasing likely heading towards 2022/23.

The Verdict

Darren Moore took a chance on Mendez-Laing heading towards the busy Christmas period, and in the end it probably turned out as the majority expected.

There were flashes of the player that took on a huge role in Cardiff City's automatic promotion to the Premier League in 2017/18, but his availability was not reliable enough to make him one of the standout forwards in League One, which, ability-wise, he should be.

Wednesday did have incredible attacking depth for third tier level and Mendez-Laing was not the only one to struggle due to that, but with the Owls unable to kick on towards the top two, despite a very strong second half of the campaign, it will not be a spell that is remembered for very long at Hillsborough.