Paul Mullin, a central figure in Wrexham AFC’s remarkable rise through the English football pyramid, has left the club to join League One side Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan. The move signals a fresh chapter in the career of a player whose story has captured international attention, not just for his exploits on the pitch but also for his unique role in Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed fairytale.

The 30-year-old striker, whose goals and grit helped Wrexham achieve an unprecedented run of three successive promotions, shared his enthusiasm for the move via Wigan’s official channels on Monday.

“I’m excited for the next part of my story,” Mullin said. “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.”

Wigan confirmed that the deal is subject to approval from the English Football League, the Football Association, and requires international clearance before it is finalized.

Mullin’s departure is a significant moment for Wrexham and its global fanbase. Since joining the Welsh side in 2021, he has become a cult hero, not only for his prolific scoring record — netting 110 goals in 172 appearances — but also for his symbolic role in the club’s transformation under celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

His impact was felt well beyond the pitch. A giant mural of Mullin towers in the heart of Wrexham city, and his charisma made him a standout personality in the Emmy-winning docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, which chronicled the club’s extraordinary journey under Reynolds and McElhenney’s stewardship. His bond with the Hollywood duo was so strong that Mullin even made a cameo in the latest Deadpool film, further cementing his status as a fan favorite.

Despite being named Wrexham’s Player of the Season for three consecutive years, Mullin saw his role diminish in the most recent campaign as the club clinched promotion to the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football. Once the face of Wrexham’s underdog story, he became more of a supporting player — a shift that likely paved the way for his temporary exit.

Rob McElhenney once described Mullin as “one of the greatest football players in the world,” a sentiment echoed by fans who have watched the striker lead Wrexham’s ascent with tenacity, humility, and consistent goal-scoring.

As Mullin prepares to don the Wigan shirt, his legacy at Wrexham remains secure — a player who became the beating heart of a team reborn, and a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. Whether this loan move proves to be a stepping stone or a farewell, one thing is clear: Paul Mullin’s story is far from over.