Josh Mulligan is no longer just another solid name in the Scottish Premiership and has turned into a sought-after asset on the European market. According to Foot Mercato, the Hibernian midfielder is on the radar of clubs in England and across the continent, with Leeds United among those interested ahead of the January window. Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Wolfsburg, and Lille are also tracking the 23-year-old, who could change clubs for the second time in less than a year.
Mulligan joined Hibernian in July from Dundee on a free transfer and signed a contract running through June 2029. In just a few months, he established himself in the squad and logged meaningful minutes. He’s made 24 appearances so far, scoring three goals and providing three assists across all competitions. In the 2025/26 Premiership season, he’s recorded four direct goal contributions in 15 starts, trailing only Kieron Bowie and Jamie McGrath within the Hibs squad over that span.
A profile that appeals to the January market
Interest from clubs like Leeds and Nottingham Forest isn’t happening by chance. Mulligan is viewed as an affordable option at this stage of the season. The presence of a release clause, even though the exact figure hasn’t been disclosed, helps clubs plan ahead and lowers the risk involved in a deal. In the winter window, opportunities like this are often treated as priorities.
On top of that, he’s a versatile player. Mulligan can operate in almost every midfield role. This season, he’s mainly been used as a holding midfielder in a deeper, more defensive position, but he’s also delivered standout performances further forward and on the right side. In last weekend’s 3–0 win over Falkirk, he played in a more advanced role and picked up an assist. That adaptability broadens the pool of interested clubs and explains why teams from different leagues are monitoring him. He’s also a player with a good passing range and strong reading of the game when it comes to recovery timing, though he may still need to sharpen his control a bit. That said, he’s only 23, as mentioned earlier, so there’s clear room for growth, especially if he moves to a more competitive team.
Leeds, European competition, and a waiting game
According to Foot Mercato, Wolfsburg and Lille have already taken more concrete steps, making initial inquiries to understand the player’s contractual and financial situation. Leeds and Forest continue to watch closely, while Manchester United appear as an interested party that helps illustrate how far Mulligan’s name has traveled in the market, even without confirmation of an immediate move.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that Wolfsburg and Lille are out in front. A young player with recent experience as a regular starter, manageable costs, and upside fits perfectly into their sporting and financial models. For English clubs, the physical adaptation and competitive rhythm also work in his favor, given the profile of the Scottish Premiership. The question now isn’t whether Mulligan will receive offers, but which club will be most effective in convincing him that the next step is the right one. Whatever he decides, a move to any of the clubs mentioned would represent a clear leap forward in his career.