Wrexham sign defender Cacace from Empoli

In what could be their most expensive acquisition since the club’s purchase by co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021, Wrexham have signed Empoli defender Liberato Cacace.

The 24-year-old has a three-year contract with Wrexham and has a year left on his Empoli contract after being expelled from Serie A last year.

Sam Smith’s arrival at Wrexham in January broke the $1 million barrier for the first time in the previous season.

Cacace expressed his “absolutely delighted” at joining Wrexham.

He continued, “I want to be a part of what they are creating here by looking from the outside.” I was drawn in by the close-knit community they have here.

I had a fantastic phone conversation with the manager, and I immediately felt strongly about signing.

We are delighted to welcome Libby to Wrexham, according to boss Phil Parkinson, and look forward to integrating him into the squad when we return home.

Cacace, who has previously earned three promotions in a row, is Wrexham’s third summer signing.

As they begin their 43rd season in England’s second tier, Parkinson’s side has added Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward and former Plymouth Argyle forward Ryan Hardie.

Wrexham travel to New Zealand on Saturday (06:00 BST) to play Cacace’s first team, Wellington Phoenix, in a pre-season friendly.

Cacace, who was born in Wellington to an Italian-born mother and a mother of Italian descent in New Zealand, plays left-back primarily but can also play left-back.

Wrexham are now waiting for results of scans after an X-ray revealed no breaks, with the player expected to remain in a protective boot for the next two weeks before receiving further evaluation.

After he had surgery to remove his appendix, striker Jack Marriott’s return to the United States will be delayed until after he recovers from illness.

Smith, a fellow striker, has not yet featured on the tour because of an unnamed issue, though Andy Cannon (ACL) and Mo Faal (thigh) have both resumed training following sustained injuries on the trip that saw Wrexham beat Melbourne Victory.