It is fairly uncommon for articles about trials being carried out in Los Angeles to find themselves on the home page of the Wirral Globe.
Provincial newspapers generally run stories relating to the local area, and do not worry about events elsewhere.
Following the news that broke in LA overnight, an article detailing the American rapper Rakim Mayers’, known professionally as A$AP Rocky, not guilty verdict was on the homepage of the Globe’s website.
There is, however, a reason for this article as Mayers has been linked with a potential takeover of Tranmere Rovers as part of an investment consortium.
In October 2024, Sky Sports believed Mayers was ‘set to buy’ a stake in the League 2 side. Tranmere owner, Mark Palios, speaking to Sky Sports, did not confirm either way whether there was any truth to the rumours, but, when asked if he had a timeline for the takeover being completed, simply replied “ASAP”, with a chuckle.
As A$AP Rocky, Mayers has sold 3.5 million albums, accrued a net worth of around $20 million, and is currently in a relationship with global superstar Rihanna.
His trial, where he faced two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, brought him into contact with the criminal defence lawyer, Joe Tacopina, who represented him.
BREAKING: The proposed takeover of Tranmere has moved a step closer following the acquittal of rapper ASAP Rocky on two counts of assault 🚨
Rocky, whose legal name is Rakin Athelston Mayers, is expected to be part of a consortium to buy the club from Mark Palios. pic.twitter.com/J5RNRITtNl
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 19, 2025
Tacopina is most well-known for serving as personal attorney for US President Donald Trump, during his case over payments made to pornographic actress Stormy Daniels.
He has also held a variety of positions in football, including as part of a consortium that purchased the Italian team AS Roma, as well as positions at Bologna, Venezia and SPAL.
His presence at a Tranmere match towards the end of the 2023-24 season first set the rumour-mill into overdrive.
Immediately, Rovers fans were getting excited at the prospect of a takeover that would pump millions into the club, however, there has been something of a stagnation since the story first broke.
In Palios’ most recent update on club issues, published on 6th February 2025, he said that “the proposed take-over of the club continues to progress.”
The knock-on effect of the takeover not being completed meant that the January transfer window came and went, without the opportunity to invest any new funds into the playing squad.
With the club in something of a limbo, and the team struggling near the foot of the table, an injection of capital may have been what was needed to quell any fears of relegation.
As the team battles on, the news of Mayers being found not guilty has given Tranmere supporters something to cheer, even without any concrete connections to the rapper buying a stake in the club.
Reacting to the news, Tranmere fans were optimistic about the future:
While any investment from an A$AP Rocky-fronted consortium would materialise too late to help Tranmere this season, it could form the basis of a resurgence helping the club to work its way back up the leagues.
The only problem is that this rebuild may have to start in the National League.
Featured image courtesy of Alamy Ltd.
