Wrexham have confirmed the departure of star striker Paul Mullin, who will join Wigan Athletic on loan for the 2024-25 season. This follows a campaign where the striker failed to reach previous heights for the Red Dragons, with only three goals in League One.
Mullin departs Wrexham after finding himself surplus to requirements. After proving pivotal as the club lifted three consecutive promotions, he now finds himself behind the likes of Sam Smith, Ryan Hardie, and Jay Rodriguez as the club prepares for life in the Championship.
Announced via the club’s official website, the striker becomes Wigan Athletic’s third signing of the summer, joining Portsmouth striker Christian Saydee and Fraser Murray, as Ryan Lowe’s revolution at the club is underway, looking to rebuild after a disappointing 15th-placed finish last term.
Paul Mullin’s time at Wrexham
Mullin made the switch to Wrexham from Cambridge United in the summer of 2021, off the back of winning the League Two Golden Boot, the striker arrived as one of the first ‘statement signings‘ made under Ryan Reynold’s ownership.
Since then, the forward has gained hero status at the club, spearheading the Red Dragon’s first two promotions while scoring 110 goals in his tenure at the Racecourse, winning the club’s Player of the Year award across three consecutive campaigns.
Last campaign was disappointing for the former-Tranmere striker, who only found the net on three occasions as his team achieved promotion from League One, falling out of favour amongst Wrexham’s striking options as the club has continuously improved throughout their climb up the divisions.
Recently acquiring Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle, the time may be right for the striker to pursue opportunities for regular game-time elsewhere, with the North Welsh club set to compete in the Championship next season.
How will Mullin improve Wigan Athletic?
Ryan Lowe is looking to rebuild his Latics side next season, after a disappointing 15th-placed finish which saw the club score the fewest goals in the division, after failing to replace Thelo Aasgaard who departed for Luton Town in January.
Looking to be amongst the promotion-chasing pack next season, wholesale improvements in the forward areas are a necessity for Lowe this summer.
Mullin will partner Christian Saydee, and potentially Dara Costelloe who Wigan have reportedly joined the race for.
The striker is a relentless runner, aggressive in his constant runs behind the defence, and offers a range of finishes, with the experience to show.
This acquisition offers Wigan a focal point to build their side around, as well as a serial promotion winner whose experience will be invaluable in the dressing room.
Additionally, the 30-year-old will have something to prove. This move poses the opportunity for regular game time at League One level, which the striker will relish after falling down the ranks at the Racecourse.
What has been said?
On making the switch to The Brick Community Stadium, the striker said:
“I’m excited for the next part of my story. The Gaffer has outlined his plan for the season, and I’m hoping to take his trust into the season and make it a really successful one.
“As a player, I give absolutely everything and work as hard as I can.
“I’ve scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the Club that I’m playing for, and I’m going to do that again with Wigan.”
Additionally, Lowe pointed out the value of this signing both on and off the field, stating:
“I am delighted that we’ve managed to sign Paul. He’ll be a great addition to the group and is a player who is a proven goal scorer in the EFL.
“He has won promotion in his last three seasons with Wrexham AFC and will add firepower, know-how and experience to the group, which is really important.
“He is here because he is hungry to score more goals, win games and contribute to Wigan Athletic Football Club.
“Paul is the type of character we want in the dressing room, and his experience will help support the team on and off the pitch.”
Paul Mullin statistics over the years:
- 2020-21 (League Two): 32 goals, 4 assists
- 2021-22 (National League): 26 goals
- 2022-23: (National League): 38 goals
- 2023-24: (League Two): 24 goals, 6 assists
- 2024-25: (League One): 3 goals
(Assist numbers unavailable for National League)