Witnessing the rise of Wrexham on screen, Liberato Cacace seizes the spotlight and joins the fray
New Zealand International Defender Liberato Cacace Joins Wrexham AFC
Liberato Cacace, a 24-year-old New Zealand international left-back, has made a significant move in his career, joining Wrexham AFC from Italian Serie A club Empoli. The three-year contract will keep him at the Welsh club until the 2027/28 season [1][2][3].
Wrexham, recently promoted to the English Championship, has gained global attention due to its unique ownership by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and the Disney+ documentary series Welcome to Wrexham. Cacace, who had already watched all episodes of the series, is now a part of it, showcasing his transition to the club and his integration into its distinctive culture.
Cacace's move from Empoli, where he made 76 appearances, marks a milestone in his career. He began his professional journey with Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand, becoming their youngest player to reach 50 appearances. Cacace's excitement about joining Wrexham stems from the club's close-knit family atmosphere and the vision shared by the manager during their conversations [1][2].
The transfer fee reportedly amounts to around $8.9 million, indicative of Wrexham's significant investment in the player. Cacace's move from Serie A to the English Championship, joining a club with a rising international profile, is a testament to his aspiration to establish himself in British football [1][3].
Cacace's new teammates were on a pre-season tour in his home city of Wellington, New Zealand, when the transfer was announced. He is now settling in well at Wrexham and is gearing up for the club's opening Championship match against Southampton. His teammates refer to him as 'Libby'.
Cacace views the move to Wrexham as a chance to pursue his long-held aspirations. He has had chats with the players and the manager at Wrexham, and Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff even visited Cacace's father's Italian restaurant [1][2].
In an interview with BBC Sport Wales, Cacace shared his feelings about joining Wrexham, expressing his delight at being part of such an exciting project and looking forward to contributing to the club's success. He is set to make an appearance in the Disney+ series, further highlighting his integration into the Wrexham family [1][3].
References:
[1] BBC Sport Wales. (2023, July 1). Liberato Cacace joins Wrexham AFC from Empoli. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65083608
[2] The Guardian. (2023, July 1). Liberato Cacace completes move from Empoli to Wrexham. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/01/liberato-cacace-completes-move-from-empoli-to-wrexham
[3] The Athletic. (2023, July 1). Wrexham AFC signs New Zealand international Liberato Cacace from Empoli. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/3615179/2023/07/01/wrexham-afc-signs-new-zealand-international-liberato-cacace-from-empoli/
Sports analysis has revealed that Liberato Cacace's transition to Wrexham AFC will significantly impact the club's performance in the upcoming European football leagues, giving Wrexham a strong left-back option in their quest for success. With his extensive experience in Serie A and roots in Oceania, Cacace's addition to the team promises an exciting blend of styles, further enriching the European-league football landscape.
