Onel Hernandez's Norwich City return was a redemption mission for the Cuban winger, desperate to make an impact after two loan spells away.
The expectation was that he would be permitted to depart permanently. That message was communicated to him upon his return - but he opted to fight for his position in a bid to remain at Norwich rather than just accept his fate.
His attitude, application and graft in pre-season impressed Dean Smith and Craig Shakespeare, who were willing to reward him with an opening in their Championship plans - believing his desire to play for the club would benefit not only himself but also the wider team after relegation.
With a limited amount of transfer activity, his return, along with Danel Sinani and Sam McCallum, was seen as crucial in shaking off any relegation hangover.
Smith handed Hernandez just four starts before his dismissal, casting him in the role of a 'finisher' and often turning to the Cuban in an attempt to change a game from a difficult situation.
Hernandez never played a full 90 minutes under Smith, which affected the consistency of his end product and prevented him from discovering any rhythm.
The highlight was a late winner away at Birmingham - but Hernandez was never handed a proper opportunity until the managerial change in December.
David Wagner was able to get an uplift out of him - all six of his assists this season arrived under the German who disagreed with the 'finisher' label attached to him by his predecessor.
Wagner's assistant Christoph Buhler worked hard with the 30-year-old in both the analysis rooms and on the training pitch. There was an encouragement to use his left foot more regularly and to raise his head in key moments - simple changes that have brought about improved results.
Frustration over his end product has been a persistent theme throughout his Norwich spell - but Hernandez ranks among the best chance creators in the division.
Hernandez is a conventional winger who wants to hold wide positions and engage defenders one versus one. Perhaps he is the only player of that ilk in City's squad at present.
He has seized his opportunity in a season of disappointing performances both as a collective and individually.
His growth hasn't just come on the pitch but also off it. As Carrow Road turned toxic in the season's closing weeks, Hernandez opted to engage with disgruntled supporters when many headed for the confines of the dressing room.
Hernandez was also willing to front up to tough questions in post-match scenarios and answer candidly and thoughtfully.
Those leadership skills and understanding of the standards that the yellow and green shirt carry, alongside an improvement in performance under Wagner, has led to the club handing him a fresh three-year deal.
But it wasn't a token gesture for being popular - it was a recognition of his hard work to fight his way back into the picture at Carrow Road and then his progression under Wagner.
Considering his affection for the club, something permanently inked on his left arm, it was an easy deal to strike - for Hernandez, it has proven to be quite the transformation given he was deemed not at the level required just 12 months previously.
In the end, it was a no-brainer for either party. Hernandez now needs to attack the 2023/24 campaign with the same determination and energy to succeed. Those traits were evident in his City comeback story.
Many may argue that shows how Norwich's collective levels have slipped but Hernandez has always been a threat at Championship level.
Irrespective of discussion around what his reprisal means in a wider context, Hernandez is a player that naturally encourages people to root for him. He is refreshingly multi-coloured in a footballing age of media-trained interaction and grey personalities.
Given the erosion in connection felt by some supporters, he has been a figure they can relate to and feel strong affection towards.
Wagner is acutely aware there is still improvement to come. He believes he can squeeze an extra percentage out of the Cuban international.
City's boss was visibly excited at the prospect of the winger being put through a full pre-season so he can become more durable to the German's desired heavy metal style. If Norwich can get Hernandez to a stage where he can continue those high-intensity direct runs throughout the course of a match, he will be a real threat.
Wagner wants emotion. Hernandez possesses it in the bucketloads. That alignment has been critical to his increased improvement.
That is evident given he only completed a full 90 minutes twice under Wagner - they came in two of the final three matches when City's options were limited through injury.
Hernandez is likely to start pre-season injured and is set to miss the Gold Cup for Cuba after suffering a knee injury. The hope is that it won't rule him out of too much of the preparation period.
The winger has a major role to play on and off the pitch for Norwich next season - keeping him fit and on form will be pivotal.
If he can harness the same level of determination and drive as he's displayed this season, then he can continue to prove people wrong next term.
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