Ryan Reynolds could face tough Wrexham decision in January with star's future in doubt

Wrexham striker Paul Mullin could be heading back to the Racecourse Ground sooner than expected after being omitted from Wigan Athletic's squad for their last two League One matches. Whilst Wigan boss Ryan Lowe has insisted the matter is being handled "in-house" and that both Mullin and fellow loanee Ollie Cooper remain at the club until instructed otherwise, their absences have sparked rumours about the striker's loan arrangement.

The 31-year-old moved to the Latics on a season-long loan back in June but has failed to recreate the devastating form that established him as a hero at Wrexham. Mullin was instrumental in the Red Dragons' extraordinary journey from the National League to the Championship, bagging 110 goals across four campaigns.

Speaking to Wigan Today, Lowe said: "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, what we're talking about.

"Ollie was with us tonight and unfortunate to miss out. But we'll have a discussion about that situation when the New Year comes, and they're both with us until told otherwise.

"There will be a point when loans can be looked at, in terms of dates, but we'll discuss that when the time is right." He added: "They're not injured."

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Away from the pitch, Mullin became the face of the Hollywood-owned club, appearing in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary and securing a cameo in last year's Deadpool and Wolverine film, highlighting his close relationship with co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

Despite his iconic status, the Liverpudlian's stint at Wrexham took an unexpected twist during the latter stages of their League One promotion-winning season last term, when manager Phil Parkinson sidelined him from the squad. His performances and fitness have also been hampered by persistent injury woes in recent seasons, including hamstring, lower-back and knee problems that restricted his game time.

The striker acknowledged earlier this campaign that his future at the club remained unclear following his switch to Wigan.

Speaking to talkSPORT in October, Mullin said: "I loved my time at Wrexham, and it might not be over, who knows, but that's not up to me. I don't make that decision. I've obviously got a contract with Wrexham and they'll decide what they want to do with it, but for me, I just want to enjoy playing football.

"You never know what will happen tomorrow, never mind in six months. I absolutely loved my time at Wrexham. It became my club and I absolutely adored all the fans and everything about the club. But if it's not to be and they don't end up wanting me back, then I'll live."

Since his move to Wigan, Mullin has netted five goals in all competitions, equalling his tally for Wrexham last season. The Latics have had a mixed bag of results this term and currently find themselves in 12th place in League One.

While no official announcement has been made, the potential return of Mullin could pose a conundrum for Wrexham and their high-profile co-owners, given that the striker is under contract until summer 2027. He remains one of the club's most legendary figures, but with Kieffer Moore, Nathan Broadhead and Josh Windass currently spearheading the attack, a regular spot in the Championship seems unlikely.

Another option could be for Wrexham to loan him out again in January to help him regain form and confidence or try and sell him. The Welsh side sit 11th in the Championship table heading into 2026 following a 2-1 home win against Preston North End on Monday night.