Paul Mullin, the forward who has been at the forefront of Wrexham’s meteoric rise over the past four seasons, seems poised for a new chapter as speculation mounts over a potential loan move to Wigan Athletic. Talks between the two clubs are reportedly underway, marking a dramatic shift for a player who became synonymous with Wrexham’s resurgence under Hollywood ownership.
Since arriving at the Racecourse Ground in July 2021, Mullin has endeared himself to fans by notching up an impressive 110 goals in just four seasons. His exploits have been pivotal for the club, playing a starring role during their back-to-back promotions. However, the narrative appears to be changing rapidly, with Mullin having struggled for fitness and opportunities through the latter half of the current campaign.
The 30-year-old’s season was notably disrupted by back surgery last summer, affecting his form and fitness. Manager Phil Parkinson sought to address a perceived weakness in front of goal by drafting in new strikers Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez during the winter transfer window. This bolstered attack produced results, culminating in Wrexham’s promotion to the Championship in April. For Mullin, however, it precipitated a downturn in personal fortunes, with his influence on the pitch waning amid stiff competition for starting places.
The arrival of Ryan Hardie from Plymouth has further crowded the forward line and has fuelled speculation that Mullin’s tenure in North Wales may be nearing its end. Reports indicate that the prospect of a loan move to Wigan is being discussed, casting uncertainty on whether Mullin will don the Wrexham shirt in the Championship—the level he has openly aspired to reach with the Dragons.
Despite his close relationship with Wrexham’s celebrity owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Mullin hasn’t shied away from expressing his frustration over his reduced involvement. In the recent fourth season of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary, he candidly reflected on feelings of resentment at being left out. “I let that get to me, to be honest,” Mullin admitted, discussing the emotional toll of losing his place in the team. He spoke about his determination, daily training efforts, and the difficult reality of watching new arrivals supersede him after he played such a key role in the club’s success.
Mullin’s openness shines a light on the challenges faced by players navigating club ambitions and personal setbacks. While he stopped short of confirming a rift with Parkinson, his comments hint at a growing sense of disenchantment. He voiced a longing to feature in the Championship with Wrexham, describing it as “the icing on the cake”—yet admitted he is unsure if he will have the opportunity.
Away from the drama on the field, many former players and managers have weighed in on the situation. Dean Saunders, ex-Wrexham manager and former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker, recently pointed out that Mullin possesses the pedigree to shine in the Championship, but warned that the leap in quality would pose its own challenges. “The defenders get better as you go up the leagues, so he will have to be smarter and work harder for every goal,” Saunders commented, adding that he hopes Reynolds and McElhenney will keep faith in the striker’s abilities.
Similarly, former Wrexham boss Andy Morrell expressed his hope that Mullin will be given a chance to battle for his place. In comments to BBC Sport Wales, Morrell reinforced Mullin’s reputation as a natural finisher and encouraged the striker to return “really fit” for pre-season, possibly giving Parkinson a selection headache.
As Wrexham becomes an internationally recognised club thanks to its Hollywood connections and the widespread popularity of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, the narrative around Mullin’s future takes on an added layer of intrigue. Supporters remain divided, with many eager to see Mullin rewarded for his unwavering effort and others recognising the logic behind reinforcing the squad at higher levels.
All eyes will now be on the coming weeks as both clubs and the player’s representatives work to determine the next step. Whether Paul Mullin remains in red or departs for new pastures, his contribution to Wrexham’s recent ascent is already indelibly stamped in the club’s history. Regardless of the outcome, the situation serves as a reminder of the often harsh and rapidly shifting realities of professional football—even for the most beloved players.