Following Ryan Reynolds’ transformational success at Wrexham, one former celebrity lawyer is looking to launch a takeover at one of their oldest rivals. Joe Tacopina, an ex-lawyer for former US President Donald Trump and pop singer Michael Jackson, is apparently planning a Ryan Reynolds-style takeover of Wrexham’s rivals Tranmere Rovers.
The Hollywood actor and his co-chairman, Rob McElhenney, oversaw the Red Dragons’ transition from an unfashionable non-league outfit to a club with a cult following across the world. Wrexham are now competing in the EFL’s third division for the first time in two decades, and there is little doubt about their upward trajectory.
Inspired by the A-List duo’s major work at the Racecourse Ground, former New York prosecutor Tacopina is apparently planning a similar initiative with one of the Welsh club’s oldest rivals. Tranmere Rovers, located in the north-west of England, has long been overshadowed by rivals Liverpool and Everton. However, Tacopina has apparently been in talks with the League Two club for much of the year about performing a surprise takeover. The Athletic reports that his offer now only requires regulatory permission from the English Football League (EFL).
The club, located on the Wirral Peninsula, across the River Mersey from Liverpool, is now owned by Mark Palios, a former Football Association chief executive, and his wife, Nicola. They’ve had the keys to Prenton Park since 2014, and Tacopina’s intrigue began when he attended a Tranmere game in April.
The lawyer, who has previously represented ex-MLB star Alex Rodriguez and rapper A$AP Rocky, most recently worked for former US President Donald Trump’s legal team in January. He has previously been interested in soccer, having been part of a consortium that purchased AS Roma in 2011, before selling and purchasing Bologna in 2014.
Following that, he purchased Venezia and helped the team climb two divisions to the second tier of Italian football. After selling up in 2020, he purchased SPAL the following year, however his term as owner was marred by a three-month suspension for failing to pay taxes.
According to The Athletic, Tranmere made no comment on a potential takeover. It remains to be seen whether or not a buyout at Prenton Park will take place, as it requires EFL approval to proceed.
If the acquisition is completed, Tacopina will use his celebrity profile to draw more attention to Rovers as he works to catapult them through the leagues, according to the article. Furthermore, if the takeover is authorized, the ancient club may find a new home in the following years.
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