Sheffield Wednesday might already have identified their perfect Massimo Luongo successor

Massimo Luongo's injury-hit spell at Sheffield Wednesday is coming to an end. The Owls claim the Australian international has snubbed their contract offer and will leave the League One club next week.

Shortly after the statement on Wednesday's website, Luongo appeared to deny that he had rejected a new deal to extend his Hillsborough stay. He posted on his Instagram story: “Have I? Oh okay...” His post was later deleted.

Luongo's reaction to the news has raised eyebrows among the Owls fan-base. Many Wednesdayites had hoped he would stay put.

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There is no disputing the fact Wednesday will miss Luongo's energy and aggression in the middle of the park. His relentless work rate and ability to effectively break up opponent's attacks freed up Barry Bannan and George Byers to surge forward and support the front line.

Injuries held Luongo back throughout his time at S6. He made 73 appearances after arriving from Queens Park Rangers in August 2019.

His best run in the side? Without question the second half of last season. Luongo delivered a string of accomplished displays in the centre.

The 29-year-old hardly missed a match in 2022 as the Owls qualified for the play-offs. His return from the treatment room was a big factor behind Wednesday's improved form.

Luongo is a quality player but did Wednesdayites consistently see the best of him? No, because too often he was injured an unable to make a difference.

The question now is how will the Owls cope without Luongo? Do they have another natural holding midfielder?

New recruit Will Vaulks is not a like-for-like replacement for Luongo. Wales international Vaulks has got plenty to offer