Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has come under fire from tenants living in properties owned by his real estate company Samaritan. Residents accuse Gakpo of neglecting his properties, citing issues like structural problems, vermin infestations, and poor repairs.

Some tenants are paying high rents for subpar living conditions, with one damp basement flat going for €875 a month and another cramped apartment for €850 a month, much higher than the area’s average rent of €560. Gakpo, who is the sole shareholder of Samaritan, has properties in five cities in the south of Holland.

Despite his success on the field for Liverpool, scoring 21 goals in 74 appearances since his move from PSV Eindhoven, Gakpo is facing criticism in his homeland over the condition of his properties. The regional newspaper De Limburger reported on claims of neglect and mismanagement within Gakpo’s property empire.

Stefan Stals, an employee of finance company Elevate Finance, manages the properties and collects rents on Gakpo’s behalf. Stals dismissed claims of issues with rats but admitted that maintenance issues exist.

However, photographs from De Limburger reveal evidence of neglect, including dead mice, mouldy walls, and maintenance problems. Tenants have reported living in fear due to the poor conditions and have sent legal letters requesting improvements, but have received no response.

Gakpo’s football agent, Kees Ploegsma, has declined to comment, stating that the responsibility for the property portfolio lies with the management company. Despite Gakpo’s success as a footballer, his real estate business is facing scrutiny for its management of properties and treatment of tenants.