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Liberato Cacace started his career with New Zealand club Wellington Phoenix Wrexham have signed Empoli defender Liberato Cacace in what could be their most expensive signing since the 2021 takeover of the club by co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mc Elhenney. The 24-year-old had a year left on his contract at Empoli, who were relegated from Serie A last season, and he has signed a three-year deal at Wrexham. Wrexham broke the £1m barrier for the first time last season when they landed Reading striker Sam Smith in January. The fee for Cacace has not been disclosed, but Wrexham were understood to be prepared to push beyond the Smith fee to land the defender, who has 33 caps for New Zealand, as they prepare for their a campaign in the Championship. Why Wrexham are down under as Australia tour begins Your guide to Welsh football's pre-season fixtures Wrexham Cacace said he was "absolutely delighted" commit to Wrexham. He added: "Looking from the outside, what they are creating here is something I want to be part of. The family they have here – it's a tight-knit club and that enticed me. "I had a great phone call with the manager, and after that I really wanted to sign. " Boss Phil Parkinson said: "We are delighted to welcome Libby to Wrexham and look forward to integrating him with the squad on our return home. " Cacace is Wrexham's third signing of this summer following three successive promotions. Parkinson's side have also added Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward and former Plymouth Argyle forward Ryan Hardie as they embark on a first season in England's second tier for 43 years. Wrexham are in New Zealand to play Wellington Phoenix, Cacace's first club, in a pre-season friendly on Saturday (06: 00 BST). Cacace, who was born in Wellington to an Italian father and a New Zealand mother of Italian descent, is primarily a left-back but can also operate further forward. He played 93 games for Empoli since heading to Italian football in 2022, but had been linked with a move away following the club's relegation from Serie A. Ollie Rathbone scored a career-best eight goals last season as he helped Wrexham win promotion from League One. Before facing Wellington, then returning to north Wales to continue pre-season, Parkinson faces a further wait over the fitness of midfielder Ollie Rathbone who suffered an ankle injury in the defeat by Sydney FC. An X-ray has shown no break, but Wrexham are now waiting for results of scans, with the player set to remain in a protective boot for the next two weeks before further assessment. Meanwhile, striker Jack Marriott will have his return to the UK delayed after he fell ill and required surgery to remove his appendix. Fellow striker Smith has not featured so far on the tour as he recovers from an unspecified issue, although Andy Cannon (ACL) and Mo Faal (thigh) have both resumed training after long-term injuries during the tour that also saw Wrexham beat Melbourne Victory. Crowds of around 40, 000 watched Wrexham in their first two fixtures, with local estimations of 25, 000 expected to be in attendance for Saturday's game at the Sky Stadium. Scheffler leads from Fitzpatrick at rain-hit Open Spain see off stubborn Switzerland to reach semis Arsenal complete £48. 5m signing of Madueke from Chelsea Race through the life and career of F1 icon, Alain Prost Uncovering the dark side of football hooliganism A 90s documentary with performances from the Gallaghers Will Mellor meets those affected by the Post Office scandal The hottest favourites in 100 years, can Lions deliver on their promise? Resilience, luck and subs - England's winning formula Body shots and 'dirty' tactics - how does Dubois beat Usyk? Mbeumo 'proven quality' - but Man Utd still have striker dilemma England fight back to beat Sweden on penalties. Video England fight back to beat Sweden on penalties The 'posh lad from Richmond' steering the Wallabies against the Lions Mc Ilroy, Scheffler & Rose star in shots of the day. Video Mc Ilroy, Scheffler & Rose star in shots of the day And then there were none. .. Welsh rugby reels from Lions blow Smith joins Arsenal for world record £1m fee The race for a striker is hotting up - who is still available? Major champions on Scheffler's 'what's the point? ' soliloquy Italy score 90th-minute goal to beat Norway - highlights 'That is horrific' - India rue 'awful' run out. Video'That is horrific' - India rue 'awful' run out The convicted ex-bike gang member playing at The Open 'Mc Ilroy's got it going, you need to see this' - Rory's Portrush record 'I'm unstoppable' - Dubois ready for Usyk. Video'I'm unstoppable' - Dubois ready for Usyk What to do about Test cricket's slow play problem? 'Gather the legends' - the numbers behind Windies' 27 all out as fallout begins The Man Utd Five: Ousted but not out The Englishman who turned around Scheffler's putting fortunes Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.