Meet Matias Moreno: Wrexham Set Their Sights on Snapping Up $10 Million Argentine Star This Summer

Wrexham are reportedly targeting Fiorentina center back Matías Moreno as the club seeks to bolster its defensive options ahead of the new season.

A report from Gianluca Di Marzio this week suggested that the Red Dragons had struck a deal with the Serie A club for Moreno, with the transfer valued at around $9.7 million and featuring a 50% sell-on clause. That clause would entitle Fiorentina to half of any future fee Wrexham receives should they choose to sell the player down the line.

Sports Illustrated understands that although Wrexham have genuine interest in Moreno, no transfer is considered imminent at this stage.

What is clear is that head coach Phil Parkinson is keen to bring in another central defender this summer as the club continues its push toward the Premier League.

With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about Moreno and what his potential arrival would mean for Wrexham.

Who Is Matías Moreno?

Moreno launched his professional career at his hometown club Belgrano, breaking into the senior squad as a teenager. He spent two years with the Argentine outfit before catching the eye of European clubs.

Fiorentina acquired the 22-year-old for roughly $5.7 million in August 2024, and he made 12 first-team appearances during his maiden campaign. The Italian club determined that Moreno required consistent playing time to further his development, so he joined Spanish side Levante on loan last season, featuring in 29 matches across all competitions.

Standing at 1.93 meters, Moreno is a commanding physical presence at the back. He won 46% of his aerial contests last season and boasted a 77% overall duel success rate. The center back also posted a solid 85.8% passing accuracy, though he tends to advance the ball through carrying rather than progressive passing.

Although Moreno is most naturally a right-sided center back, he featured predominantly on the left throughout last season, demonstrating his adaptability across the defensive line. He is regarded as a tactically astute defender, though his range of passing is still developing and he remains a relatively unpolished talent.

Matías Moreno 2025–26 Stats

What Would Signing Moreno Mean for Wrexham?

Wrexham possess a capable defensive unit but are still seeking reinforcements to elevate the group's overall quality. The Red Dragons shipped 65 goals last season — their poorest defensive record since dropping out of the Football League back in 2008.

Parkinson is understood to be in the market for a right-sided center back who can push Max Cleworth and Zak Vyner for a place in the starting lineup. Callum Doyle is the preferred option on the left, while club captain Dom Hyam remains a key figure at the heart of the back three.

The need for defensive reinforcement is further underlined by the expected departure of Conor Coady on another loan deal, with Dan Scarr also likely to move on. Academy talent Aaron James could also be allowed to leave on a temporary basis.

Moreno's flexibility could make him an attractive proposition. His capacity to operate on either flank of a back three would offer Parkinson greater tactical options, while his physical attributes and upside make him a potentially compelling long-term signing.

What Has Phil Parkinson Said?

Parkinson was directly questioned about Wrexham's reported interest in Moreno this week but was guarded when discussing the prospect of the defender joining the club at the Racecourse Ground.

"I think if we ended up signing every player we've been linked with, we'd have around 40 players in the building by now," he said. "From our perspective, we're focused on the players we already have.

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"This preseason has been about concentrating on the group we worked so hard to assemble last year, bringing them together, building on what we achieved last season and getting the very best out of every individual."

Parkinson continued: "Right now, if the right player becomes available and we believe they'll strengthen this group, then of course we'll act. A lot of that groundwork was laid last season, and any additions will be players we genuinely feel can take us to the next level."