Wrexham AFC confirmed today that striker Paul Mullin’s loan spell at Wigan Athletic has come to a premature end.
The 31-year-old made 26 appearances for the Latics during the first half of the League One campaign, and despite five goals during his time at the Brick Community Stadium, the striker was omitted from the previous four matchday squads, leading Ryan Lowe to call time on his loan move.
Upon confirmation of his return to North Wales, Wrexham were open about Mullin’s future:
“The club will assess Mullin on his return and, having only represented one Club in all competitions this season, explore all possible options for the striker’s future”.
Given the strikers ahead of him in the pecking order at Wrexham, it is likely that he will be loaned out again for the remainder of the season. With that in mind, let’s look at five clubs that could sign the striker this January.
Blackpool:
One club that could look to add the Wrexham striker to their squad is Blackpool. The Lancashire side are currently 18th in League One and sit two points clear of the relegation zone.
The Tangerines have started the New Year with back-to-back defeats to Port Vale (5-1) and Bradford City (2-1). This has led to manager Ian Evatt calling for new recruits in the transfer window:
“I don’t think the squad is where we need it to be. We need players, we need to recruit, we need support to make sure that happens.”
One of those recruits could be Mullin. Blackpool currently rank 15th in League One for goals scored per match, so they may be interested in fresh blood up front to score the goals required.
Since Evatt’s appointment, the North West side have predominantly lined up in 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2 formations. This may suit Mullin, who played in a 3-5-2 system during his impressive 2023-24 League Two campaign with Wrexham.
With a point to prove in League One and a club in need of reinforcements, a move to Blackpool may be a suitable one for the 31-year-old.
Milton Keynes Dons:
Another club that could be of interest to Mullin is Milton Keynes Dons. The League Two side are incredibly ambitious in their aims of gaining promotion and made some eye-catching signings in the summer window.
The Buckinghamshire side currently sit fifth in League Two and find themselves seven points behind leaders Bromley. Paul Warne’s side have fallen away slightly over the last month or so with two wins from their last seven matches.
Signing Wrexham’s striker may provide them with that added boost to get over the line and secure promotion back to League One. The striker knows the division well having scored 24 goals in 38 games during the Red Dragon’s promotion from the fourth tier in 2023-24.
The League Two side are creating a significant number of chances in the league as well, ranking fourth for big chances created so far this season with 62. When factoring in the injury to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, the Dons may look to the Wrexham striker as the player to convert their chances created.
Doncaster Rovers:
Another League One side battling relegation that could benefit from a goalscorer like Mullin is Doncaster Rovers. The Yorkshire side currently sit 23rd in the third tier and face the possibility of dropping back in League Two.
Rovers are in the midst of a dreadful run of form, having won one league game in their last 17. Grant McCann’s are struggling for goals and ranks 20th for goals scored per match ,with Billy Sharp and Brandon Hanlan their top scoring strikers with three goals apiece.
These statistics suggest that the current League Two champions are in need of some fresh options at the top of the pitch. The option of the Wrexham striker may provide the opportunity to improve their league form.
Despite their low goals total, Doncaster are creating significant chances without putting them away. They rank second for big chances missed with 40 and are under-performing their expected goals figure by 7.5 xG.
Securing the services of Mullin may allow them to convert the chances created within games. With the striker likely to be low in confidence, a side creating chances in games may provide him with the opportunity to get back to his goalscoring best.
Salford City:
Another League Two side who could look to secure Mullin’s services are Salford City. The Ammies are sitting fourth in the division and find themselves right in the mix for a historic promotion to the third tier.
The Manchester side are well-backed financially and have already made one eye-catching signing this season with Fabio Borini joining the club. With the likes of David Beckham and Gary Neville in the boardroom, there is likely to be a significant desire to finally win promotion from the fourth tier this season.
The Wrexham striker may benefit from a move to the Peninsula Stadium given their impressive attacking numbers this season. Karl Robinson’s side rank first for expected goals with 40.5 xG and second for shots on target with 4.9 per match.
With the possibility of the club being able to cover a significant proportion of the striker’s wages, it could be a move that makes sense for both parties. With the chances created and a striker in need of a good run of goals, the opportunity to become a Salford City legend and fire them to promotion this season could be too good to turn down.
Carlisle United:
Mullin could drop down to the National League, where it all started with Wrexham. Big-spending Carlisle United could be a destination for the striker in their aim of winning the title.
The Cumbrians currently sit top of the fifth tier and are looking for an instant return to the EFL. Given six points separate the top six places, every goal and point could have an impact in the title race.
The top scorer for Mark Hughes’ side is Regan Linney, but with him playing predominantly from the left-hand side, they may be on the lookout for a ‘number nine’ type forward. Given their significant financial backing, Brunton Park could be a destination for the Wrexham striker.
In his 85 appearances in the National League for the North Wales side, Mullin scored 66 goals. There is little doubt that a move to the fifth tier could see the 31-year-old rack up the goals in the second half of the season.
With the potential for promotion to the EFL, Wrexham may see Carlisle as an option for their striker to score goals. Given the financial muscle the North West side have, there could be a possibility for the Championship side to include a clause in any deal in the event of promotion.