Move over Wrexham; there’s a new celebrity takeover on the horizon—and this one has a bit more sparkle. Imagine Rihanna, yes, that Rihanna, at a cold, rainy game in League Two, cheering on Tranmere Rovers. It might sound like the wildest football crossover since David Beckham’s James Bond debut, but if the rumours are true, Tranmere fans might soon be chanting to the beat of ‘Umbrella’ from the stands.
In recent news of events, The Sun has reported that Ri-Ri, in collaboration with her husband Asap Rocky, might be finalising a move to buy League 2 mid-table brawlers, the mighty Tranmere Rovers. What’s the fuss surrounding this historic move? Let’s dive into that context today.
Tranmere Rovers, sleeping powerhouse of English football?
Ever heard of Tranmere Rovers? Chances are that you might not have. However, if I tell you that just 2 miles (6 minutes) away from Anfield, there exists a stadium called Prenton Park which is the home of the mighty Rovers, you’d think, they should be more famous and heard of, right?. Sitting 16th in League two, while Tranmere is not your ideal club to put your bet to win trophies, the fact that this club sits in the very city of Liverpool, which is a host to many top clubs like Liverpool FC and Everton FC and more, poses a great strategic value for any investor who wishes to grow any small club with its investment surrounding the club and community.
Coupled with the fact that they have never played Premier League or Tier 1 football in the country, it makes it an intriguing and inspiring story for any investor, if properly invested upon and taken from literal rags (league 2) to riches (who knows even the Champions League).
Who is Joe Tacopina? Meet the man behind, Rihana and Rocky’s Tranmere Takeover
Joe Tacopina is a New York-based lawyer who was most recently seen defending his high-profile client Asap Rocky in his recent trial surrounding his alleged shooting of childhood friend Asap Reli. Rocky has pleaded not guilty, and the investigation and trial have since continued. Tacopina has been affiliated with several Italian clubs in the past, including the likes of AS Roma and Bologna, and has also represented other high-profile celebrities like Donald Trump, most recently.
As mentioned before, The Sun has reported that it is Joe who is fundamentally behind this recent takeover quest of Tranmere Rovers. They have reported that Tacopina himself has been to a lot of Tranmere games to understand the club, the culture, and beyond. He believes, being so close to Anfield and being in the city of Liverpool, it serves a great future value if invested rightly on.
Tacopina is thus leading a group investment effort, including his client Asap Rocky, in his attempt to take over the mighty Tranmere Rovers. The Sun further reports that talks have been progressing over a £15 million bid for 80% ownership of the club. The owner of the rovers is former FA chief Mark Palios, who is also involved in the talks.
Further, it has also been stated that a documentary series something similar to that of their Wrexham counterparts (now in League One) might also be in the pipeline for the 9-time Grammy-winning Rihanna and, of course, her husband Asap Rocky.
Hollywood Celebrity Takeover: The recipe for rags to riches story in football?
What Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have done for low-level English football and community serves as a testament to how, if the right people with the right money and the right intentions, can truly transform hidden football clubs and overall communities. The pair have taken a club like Wrexham AFC, a club nobody had any clue about, from literal non-league football to League 1, which is unbelievable progress for a club like that, in such a short period of time.
Ryan Reynolds, on the other hand, has not missed one opportunity to promote his beloved club, with endorsing celebs like wife Blake Lively, Paul Rudd, and even Will Ferrell to watch live games, which only builds the popularity, profile, and economic growth scope for a club like Wrexham.
The Canadian star has also facilitated a docuseries in Disney+ called “Welcome to Wrexham,” which has been ongoing for over 3 seasons now, documenting his side’s progress over seasons. This further opens up various channels for an influx of visibility on the global scale, long-term finances, and other growth opportunities for the fans and community of Wrexham football club.
Thus, you really can’t blame Ri-Ri and Rocky for getting inspired by the same and trying out their very own RTG (Road to Glory) with Tranmere Rovers. Additionally, to imagine, the amount of exposure Tranmere Rovers could have with icons like Rihana, especially in terms of growing their women’s football, club, brand & recognition, finances, and overall community, is something definitely to look forward to.
Whether it’s rain or shine in League Two, one thing’s for sure—if Rihanna and Rocky end up owning Tranmere, it’ll be the only football club where the halftime show might just outshine the match itself. With the potential for Fenty-inspired kits and celebrity cameos in the stands, Tranmere Rovers could bring a whole new level of glamour to the lower leagues. So, watch out, Wrexham, Prenton Park might be about to steal your Hollywood thunder—one Savage x Fenty jersey, and maybe even a halftime performance at a time.”
