Tranmere Rovers FC owner hints at A$AP Rocky takeover
One of the owners of Tranmere Rovers FC has hinted that A$AP Rocky may be involved in a possible future takeover of the club.
In recent days, reports have emerged that Rakim Athelaston Mayers, the popular rapper and member of A$AP mob known as A$AP Rocky, might be on the cusp of buying a stake in the League Two club.
Sky Sports News reported earlier this week that Rocky, as part of an American investment group headed by lawyer Joe Tacopina, was set to buy a stake in the club.
The Sun on Sunday initially reported the news, saying Rocky and his group were set to buy 80% of the Birkenhead-based club for around $15m (£11.6m).
Former FA boss Mark Palios and his wife are joint owners of the club currently and speaking to Sky News on Thursday, Mr Palios hinted at possible talks between himself and Rocky’s group – alongside other parties.
When asked what his favourite A$AP Rocky song is, he said, “You’ll understand, I’m covered by non-disclosure agreements, not just with Joe Tacopina, who’s related to A$AP Rocky, but with other parties who are looking at the club.
A chuckling Mark Palios when asked about Rakim Athelaston Mayers – the rapper popularly known as A$AP Rocky
“What I would say is the American market is hot to trot at this point in time for a whole host of reasons.
“They’ve got the World Cup coming up. They’ve always viewed European sporting assets as undervalued.
“And, 85 million Americans watch English football, 45 million of them are not dedicated to any club.
“You’ve got the Wrexham effect as well. So it is an attractive proposition, and I, of course, think Tranmere is an attractive proposition.”
Sky Sports News added that Mr Tacopina, who previously represented former US president Donald Trump, had been in talks with the club for some time.
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When speaking to them, Mr Palios said he wanted a deal completed “asap”.
Posting on Instagram, Mr Tacopina also said he had represented Rocky in an alleged assault case that was delayed until January.
If the takeover goes ahead, it would follow in the well-documented footsteps of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in their takeover of Wrexham.
The pair completed their takeover of the North Wales club in February 2021 and went on to make a documentary series about it as they took them to back-to-back promotions.