Paul Mullin has been a prolific asset for Wrexham over the years but his goal return has dwindled in 2024/25.
Wrexham signed Paul Mullin on a free transfer from Cambridge United in 2021, which was a huge deal at the time.
The Red Dragons were floundering in the National League but somehow convinced Mullin to join to club after playing the previous season in League One.
The rest, they say, is history with the now 30-year-old going on to become Wrexham’s all-time top scorer and finding the net on a minium of 20 occasions during every season for the club.
2024/25 has been a different story, however, with Mullin out of form at Wrexham and managing to net just twice in League One so far this season.
However, though a number nine does look to be the main target in January, Phil Parkinson already has a clear replacement for the Liverpool-born star waiting in the wings.
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Rio Owen can be Paul Mullin 2.0 at Wrexham
Given his age and form, Wrexham should already be looking at how they plan to replace Mullin in the coming years.
A new signing does make sense but academy product Rio Owen should be given a chance to prove himself first.
Born in Bangor, Wales, Owen came up through the club’s youth system and is now dominating at U21 level.
Much like Mullin, the 18-year-old is already proving himself to be a very prolific goalscorer.
In fact, he’s already scored 16 goals in 24 appearances for the Red Dragons’ youth sides in the current campaign.
Obviously, there is a certain level of unknown when promoting young players to the senior team but as the likes of Aaron James have already impressed in 2024/25, Parkinson should look to give Owen a chance going forward.
Other strikers Wrexham could replace Paul Mullin with
Jack Marriott is nearing a return from injury after breaking his leg in October 2024.
Prior to his injury, Marriott had already replaced Mullin in the starting lineup and was in fine form, netting five in 10.
He’s also 30 years of age and out of contract in the summer so he may not be a long-term replacement for their record goalscorer.
Meanwhile, Wrexham have been linked to Patrick Bamford and while he lacks the speed of Mullin, the Leeds United man would no doubt excel if he drops down to League One.