‘ASAP’ – Tranmere owner piques rapper takeover talk

Mark Palios, the joint owner of Tranmere Rovers, has suggested that he wants the sale of the League Two club to be finalized “ASAP,” fueling speculation that rapper A$AP Rocky may be involved in a potential takeover. The 36-year-old, who is in a relationship with pop star Rihanna, is reportedly part of an investment group led by celebrity lawyer Joe Tacopina, which is interested in acquiring an 80% stake in the Birkenhead club.

Palios, a former chief executive of the Football Association, co-owns Tranmere with his wife, Nicola, and has been in charge since 2014. During an interview with Sky Sports, he refrained from directly confirming Rocky’s involvement but made it clear that there is keen interest in selling the club. When asked about a timeline for the sale, a smiling Palios responded, “ASAP.”

In a follow-up conversation with BBC Radio Merseyside, Palios elaborated on the club’s need for investment, saying, “We have been looking for investment into the club for almost two years. The club has potential that is unrealized and it can be taken forward. We haven’t had a for sale sign up, but we’ve been approached.”

Tacopina has a history of involvement in Italian football, having held ownership roles at four clubs. Palios noted that Tacopina has attended Tranmere games, stating, “Joe has been at games, but so have other people that people don’t recognize because they’re not as well known as him.”

On the topic of A$AP Rocky, Palios admitted he wasn’t particularly familiar with the rapper’s work. “I’m of an age where it’s not really something I’m desperately into, but I’m told he’s very well regarded,” he said.

The growing trend of American celebrities investing in English football has been evident in recent years. Notable examples include Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of Wrexham, and NFL legend Tom Brady becoming a minority owner of Birmingham City. Other celebrities such as JJ Watt, Michael B. Jordan, and even actor Will Ferrell have also made headlines for their investments in various clubs.

Palios emphasized that the American market is one the club hopes to engage with. “When I was at the FA, I thought at some stage they’re going to catch on to soccer, which I’d never normally say,” he reflected. “There are 85 million people in the U.S. who watch English football, and 45 million of them don’t have a club.”

The success of Wrexham has showcased the potential value of lower-league clubs, prompting Palios to seek opportunities in that marketplace. He noted the increased media coverage of the EFL in the U.S., particularly in light of new television deals and the upcoming World Cup.

Since acquiring Tranmere from former owner Peter Johnson, Palios and his wife have seen the club experience ups and downs. The team was relegated to the National League but successfully bounced back to win promotion to League One. Unfortunately, they were relegated again during the disrupted 2019-20 season and have remained in League Two, currently sitting in 16th place.

Palios, who played for Tranmere and made over 280 appearances during his career, remains optimistic about the club’s future. His experience in football and understanding of the business side of the sport add a valuable perspective to the ongoing discussions about potential investment.

Joe Tacopina, the lawyer leading the investment group, has a notable background in football. At 58 years old, he previously represented former President Donald Trump and has been involved with several Italian clubs, including AS Roma, Bologna, and Venezia. Most recently, he took over as president and owner of Serie C side S.P.A.L.

“He’s a well-known person who comes with a few positives,” Palios remarked about Tacopina. “He understands football because he’s successfully been involved in Italy. He has a lot of celebrity contacts that can significantly enhance the commercial aspects of the club, and that’s an added advantage.”

A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, gained fame through the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob and has two children with Rihanna. Tacopina is currently representing him in a legal case involving allegations related to a firearm incident.

As discussions about the potential sale of Tranmere Rovers continue, the involvement of high-profile figures like A$AP Rocky and Joe Tacopina has certainly drawn attention, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for their beloved club.