Wrexham has secured the signing of Empoli defender Liberato Cacace, potentially marking their most significant acquisition since the club's 2021 takeover by co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The 24-year-old, who had one year remaining on his contract with Empoli following their relegation from Serie A last season, has agreed to a three-year contract with Wrexham.
Wrexham broke the £1 million threshold for the first time last season when they acquired Reading striker Sam Smith in January.
Though the fee for Cacace remains undisclosed, it is understood that Wrexham was willing to exceed the amount paid for Smith to secure the defender, who has earned 33 caps for New Zealand, as they prepare for their Championship campaign.
Cacace expressed his enthusiasm, stating he was "absolutely delighted" to join Wrexham. He remarked, "What they are building here is something I want to be part of. The close-knit community at the club was a major attraction for me."
He continued, "After a great conversation with the manager, I was eager to sign."
Manager Phil Parkinson commented, "We are thrilled to welcome Libby to Wrexham and look forward to integrating him into the squad upon our return home."
Cacace is Wrexham's third signing this summer, following three consecutive promotions. Parkinson's team has also added Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward and former Plymouth Argyle forward Ryan Hardie as they embark on their first season in England's second tier in 43 years.
Currently, Wrexham is in New Zealand to face Wellington Phoenix, Cacace's first club, in a pre-season friendly scheduled for Saturday at 06:00 BST.
Born in Wellington to an Italian father and a New Zealand mother of Italian descent, Cacace primarily plays as a left-back but can also advance further up the field.
He has made 93 appearances for Empoli since moving to Italian football in 2022, and was linked with a transfer following the club's relegation from Serie A.
Fitness Concerns for Key Players
Before facing Wellington and returning to North Wales to continue their pre-season, Parkinson is awaiting updates on the fitness of midfielder Ollie Rathbone, who sustained an ankle injury during the defeat to Sydney FC.
An X-ray revealed no fracture, but Wrexham is awaiting further scan results. Rathbone is expected to remain in a protective boot for two weeks before further evaluation.
Meanwhile, striker Jack Marriott's return to the UK is delayed after undergoing surgery for appendicitis.
Striker Sam Smith has yet to feature on the tour as he recovers from an unspecified issue. However, Andy Cannon (ACL) and Mo Faal (thigh) have resumed training after long-term injuries during the tour, which also saw Wrexham defeat Melbourne Victory.
Approximately 40,000 spectators attended Wrexham's first two fixtures, with local estimates predicting around 25,000 attendees for Saturday's game at Sky Stadium.