Joe Tacopina leads bid to buy Tranmere Rovers in England

Joe Tacopina, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, is leading a consortium aiming to acquire Tranmere Rovers, a club in England's League Two. Tacopina has been in discussions with the club's current owners for over six months, and the takeover is pending regulatory approval from the English Football League. Tranmere Rovers, based in the north-west of England, has been owned by Mark Palios and his wife since 2014 and has struggled to regain its former glory in the Championship. Tacopina has a history of club ownership in Italy, having previously taken Venezia from the fourth tier to the second tier. He currently owns SPAL, which faced challenges including relegation and financial penalties. Despite these setbacks, Tacopina's ambition is to replicate the success of Wrexham, which has gained attention for its rise in the football league. The club has been exploring options for a new home and has been recognized for its financial sustainability and community engagement. However, they have not returned to their peak performance levels from the 1990s. The potential acquisition by Tacopina could lead to significant changes, including a documentary similar to 'Welcome to Wrexham' if the deal is finalized. As the approval process continues, there are indications of ongoing discussions, and Tacopina has registered a company focused on sports club activities. The involvement of an American investment firm as a minority investor in both SPAL and Tranmere adds another layer of complexity to the situation, suggesting a broader interest in the club's future.