Paul Mullin Loan Move: Wigan Seal Striker Switch

Paul Mullin loan negotiations only came to fruition once Wigan Athletic accepted that a permanent purchase was beyond their means, but manager Ryan Lowe believes the temporary capture of the Wrexham hero could still shape the League One promotion race.

Inside the Paul Mullin Loan Decision

A year ago it seemed unthinkable that Mullin, architect of Wrexham’s fairy-tale rise under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, would consider leaving the SToK Cae Ras. Yet football moves quickly. Three consecutive promotions brought the Red Dragons back into the EFL limelight, but the striker’s minutes shrank as Phil Parkinson chased fresher legs. Wigan sensed an opportunity, explored the market and discovered the forward’s £2 million valuation was simply unworkable for a club still rebuilding after administration. The solution? A season-long Paul Mullin loan that splits the 30-year-old’s sizeable wages and leaves Wrexham with their prized asset under contract until 2027.

Ryan Lowe: Why the Paul Mullin Loan Suits Everyone

Speaking to local press, Lowe was refreshingly blunt: “We couldn’t afford him.” The candour hides a canny plan. By securing the Paul Mullin loan, Wigan avoid an upfront fee, gain one of the EFL’s deadliest finishers and can reassess finances next summer. For Wrexham, the arrangement keeps a fan favourite happy, potentially increases his resale value and frees minutes for younger forwards. Lowe added that Mullin’s agent reported offers from “a lot of other clubs” across the Championship and League One, but the striker’s preference was always to remain in the North-West near his young family.

How Mullin Fits into Wigan’s Tactical Blueprint

Lowe built his reputation on front-foot, high-press football at Plymouth and Preston. He now envisions Mullin leading a 4-3-3, pairing his relentless work rate with the craft of Callum Lang and the pace of Martial Godo. The manager is confident the Paul Mullin loan will bring 20-plus goals, but stresses intangibles: “He’s a leader in the dressing room, he lives like a 21-year-old, and the younger lads already hang on his every word.”

Financial Logic Behind the Temporary Switch

Wigan’s wage ceiling has tightened since Phoenix 21’s takeover rescued the Latics in 2024. Paying a transfer fee plus full salary would blow the budget. By contrast, the Paul Mullin loan is a neat compromise: Wrexham reportedly cover 35 percent of his wages, Wigan cover the rest, and a gentle promotion bonus sweetens the pot. Should the Latics go up, an option-to-buy clause valued around £1.5 million kicks in, effectively deferring the biggest spend until new revenue streams arrive.

Wrexham’s Perspective on Losing Their Star

Parkinson insists the door remains open for Mullin: “We want him sharp, loved and playing.” With Sam Dalby and new Brazilian arrival Leo Félix competing for starts, a loan prevents an awkward bench role for a terrace idol. It also spreads the club’s wage bill ahead of a potential Championship push in 2026. Crucially, Reynolds and McElhenney’s documentary cameras will now track Mullin’s League One adventure, adding another subplot to the global brand they are building.

Reaction from Fans and Former Team-Mates

Wrexham supporters flooded social media with tributes, dubbing him “the man who made us believe.” Many admit the Paul Mullin loan is logical, even if emotionally wrenching. Wigan fans, meanwhile, greeted the striker at the DW Stadium megastore in record numbers, with shirt sales spiking 300 percent within 48 hours. Former partner Ollie Palmer tweeted: “Go smash it, Mulls. Just not against us in the FA Cup!”

The Numbers Behind Mullin’s Rise

• 124 goals in 174 Wrexham appearances
• 3 Golden Boots across National League and League Two
• 84 percent chance-conversion rate inside the box last season
These figures illustrate exactly why Lowe fought for the Paul Mullin loan and why rival clubs—from Derby to Charlton—felt deflated when the deal went through.

Can the Paul Mullin Loan Fire Wigan Back to the Championship?

Bookmakers instantly revised Wigan’s odds for promotion from 10-1 to 5-1. Lowe’s side already boasted the league’s third-best defensive record; what they lacked was a ruthless finisher. Analysts project Mullin’s expected goals (xG) output could add nine to twelve points across a 46-game campaign—normally enough to vault a side from play-off hopefuls into the automatic places.

Potential Hurdles

1. Fitness demands: Despite Lowe praising his “21-year-old body,” Mullin did miss six weeks last term with an ankle knock.
2. Adaptation: League One defences are more aggressive and organised than those in League Two; early chemistry with new wingers is crucial.
3. Pressure: A marquee signing carries expectations. If goals don’t flow by September, questions will follow.

What Happens Next?

Pre-season begins with a friendly at Tranmere. Mullin is expected to debut in Wigan blue, a twist of fate given his boyhood Liverpool allegiance. Meanwhile, Wrexham will assess Dalby and Félix in their U.S. tour before revisiting the striker situation in January. A mid-season recall clause exists, but only if injury ravages Parkinson’s squad.

Final Thoughts on the Paul Mullin Loan

Few League One deals this summer marry romance and realism as neatly. Mullin retains proximity to family, Wigan secure firepower on a budget, and Wrexham trim their squad without burning bridges. Should the move succeed, expect both clubs to revisit terms—perhaps turning the Paul Mullin loan into a full-time adventure.

Opinion: This feels like a rare win-win-win. Wigan gain an elite finisher, Wrexham protect an asset, and Mullin gets the minutes his legendary status deserves. If he repeats his previous scoring feats, the Latics might be singing “Mullin Wonderland” all the way back to the Championship.