Wrexham AFC and their Hollywood co-owner Ryan Reynolds are heading towards a pivotal January decision regarding the future of club icon Paul Mullin, whose season-long loan at Wigan Athletic has hit a significant stumbling block.
Loan Spell in Jeopardy After Squad Omissions
The situation escalated after the 31-year-old striker was left out of Wigan's matchday squad for their last two League One fixtures. Wigan manager Ryan Lowe addressed the absences of Mullin and fellow loanee Ollie Cooper, stating the matter was being handled "in-house" but confirming both players remain at the club "until instructed otherwise."
Lowe told Wigan Today: "There's nothing to say at the moment. When there is, we will give you that. I know people will draw their own conclusions, but all that is in-house stuff." He added that discussions would be held in the New Year and emphasised that neither player was injured.
A Wrexham Legend's Uncertain Path
Mullin's potential early return to his parent club presents a complex puzzle for manager Phil Parkinson and co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Liverpudlian striker is under contract with Wrexham until the summer of 2027.
He achieved legendary status at the Racecourse Ground, scoring 110 goals in four seasons and being instrumental in the club's back-to-back promotions from the National League to the Championship. His popularity extended off the pitch, featuring in the 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary and securing a cameo in the 'Deadpool and Wolverine' film.
However, his final months at Wrexham were marred by being sidelined by Parkinson towards the end of their League One promotion campaign, and his form has been impacted by persistent injuries including hamstring, back, and knee problems.
January Options for Reynolds and McElhenney
With Wrexham now stabilised in the Championship—sitting 11th after a 2-1 win over Preston North End—their attacking options have evolved. The presence of Kieffer Moore, Nathan Broadhead, and Josh Windass means a regular starting spot for Mullin is far from guaranteed.
This leaves the club's hierarchy with several choices in the January window:
- Integrate Mullin back into the Championship squad.
- Seek another loan move to help him regain form and fitness.
- Attempt to negotiate a permanent transfer away from the club.
Mullin himself has been pragmatic about his future. Speaking to talkSPORT in October, he said: "I loved my time at Wrexham... but that's not up to me. I don't make that decision... if it's not to be and they don't end up wanting me back, then I'll live."
Since joining Wigan in June, he has scored five goals in all competitions, matching his tally for Wrexham in the previous season. With no official announcement yet, all eyes are on the Welsh club as a key decision regarding one of its modern greats approaches.
