Wigan Athletic boss Ryan Lowe has discussed why they were unable to sign Paul Mullin permanently from Wrexham.
Paul Mullin joined Wigan Athletic on loan from Wrexham this summer, with it clear that the Liverpudlian was not at the forefront of Phil Parkinson’s plans.
Mullin was not the only departure from North Wales in the striker department, with Steven Fletcher also moving on at the end of his contract, whilst Sam Dalby turned down a Wrexham deal in favour of joining Bolton Wanderers.
It is clear that Mullin wishes to return to Wrexham in his career, given why his move is temporary.
However, as discussed by Wigan Athletic boss Ryan Lowe, a permanent deal to bring Mullin to the DW Stadium would have been near-impossible after he went into the finances that would have been involved in such a deal.
Wrexham legend Paul Mullin deemed as too expensive for Wigan Athletic to sign permanently
Paul Mullin has already made a positive impression at Wigan Athletic, with the Latics boss explaining that he has shown his leadership before even kicking a ball.
Whilst being in awe of the Liverpudlian since he arrived, Lowe also discussed the finances involved in the deal to bring Mullin in on loan.
Lowe makes it clear that a permanent deal wouldn’t have been feasible financially, whether Mullin wanted it or not.
“We couldn’t afford him,” said Lowe when speaking to Wigan Today. “Listen, I don’t know what else to say…the simple fact is we couldn’t afford a permanent deal.
“I spoke to Mulls at the back end of last season, we were given permission from Wrexham, to see whether he would be available on a loan.”
Lowe also discussed his long-term admiration for him, and how, even before this season, he had wanted to sign him.
“Although he only lives about three miles away from me, I didn’t actually know him, but he’s always been on my radar.
“I tried to take him to Plymouth when I was down there, because he’s not only a fantastic footballer, he’s also a fantastic lad.
“He actually said to his agent he didn’t want to go anywhere else if he was leaving Wrexham, he only wanted to come here, which reflects well not just on me but also the football club.
“There were a lot of other clubs who would have loved to have signed him, and it’s great that he’s seen the project here and wants to be a part of it.”
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Paul Mullin must seize his Wigan opportunity despite one concern
It was clear that Mullin never wanted to leave Wrexham, with the striker suggesting: “I would just like to have the chance to go and perform there again this season, but if not, I’ve achieved so much. I’m so grateful for the owners.”
Despite that, there is no doubt that Mullin should put that concern behind him and give 100% for Wigan Athletic.
The move away from Wrexham may delay Mullin’s goals of wanting to play Championship football, but if he sees this League One move as an opportunity to prove his worth after the injury issues he sustained, he could easily prove to Parkinson that he still has plenty to offer with the Red Dragons.