Wrexham hero Paul Mullin returns to Championship club as loan cut short

Paul Mullin is heading back to Wrexham.

In a club statement, the Championship outfit confirmed Wigan Athletic had activated their break clause in Mullin’s loan contract to send him back earlier than planned.

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“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,” the Wrexham statement added.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson also confirmed Mullin was heading back to Wales following their 2-1 win over Derby County on Sunday.

“Mulls’ loan spell has been terminated,” Parkinson said.

“We’ll have a chat with him this week when he comes back in.

“He needs to train this week as he’s missed a few days of training.”

As outlined in Wrexham’s statement, Mullin is eligible to move again on loan given he has only played for Wigan this season.

Had Mullin played for Wrexham before his loan switch to Wigan, he would not have been permitted to play for a third club.

FIFA rules stipulate a player cannot play for more than two European teams in a season, meaning Mullin could only have moved to a club off the continent.

Mullin made 26 appearances for the Tics across all competitions, 12 of which he started.

His last appearance for Wigan came on December 12 when he made a 25-minute cameo off the bench against Blackpool.

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The 31-year-old netted five goals across his temporary stint with Wigan.

Mullin’s last appearance for Wrexham came on February 26 against Peterborough in the EFL Trophy semi-finals.

It was not a memorable one for Mullin as he had a penalty saved in the shootout, which was won by Peterborough.

Mullin joined Wrexham in July 2021 when they were in the National League and immediately hit the ground running, netting 26 times in the league.

The striker’s tally then rose to 31 in the following season as Wrexham clinched promotion and a return to the EFL after 15 years away.

Mullin’s impressive form in front of goal continued in League Two as he scored 24 goals, spurring Wrexham on to a second-straight promotion.

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However, his influence was reduced during Wrexham’s League One campaign.

Mullin made 32 appearances across all competitions but scored just five times, three of which came in League One action.

The Welsh side ultimately finished second in the third tier to seal a spot in this season’s Championship.