Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is said to be refusing to play amid transfer demands
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak and the Premier League logo
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak is pushing for a move away
Footballers should not be able to refuse to play for their clubs while under contract, according to former Newcastle and Manchester United striker Louis Saha.
Alexander Isak's lack of availability to Newcastle United and Eddie Howe has been the talk of the Premier League throughout August, with the striker looking to force a move to Liverpool.
The 25-year-old has spoken about promises he beleves have been broken, while Newcastle insist no commitments have been made to the Swede by anyone at the club.
It has left head coach Howe without a striker for the start of the season, with Callum Wilson having already left when his contract expired at the end of June.
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Saha, who had a brief spell on loan at Newcastle before going on to star for the likes of Man United, Fulham and Everton, feels it's something the Premier League should look in to, suggesting rules need to be brought in to ensure players cannot simply refuse to play.
"Alexander Isak's imposing style and goal contributions last year made him a crucial player for Newcastle, assisting others while scoring goals with his speed," he told AdventureGamers.com.
"His absence has contributed to their shaky start. While a manager wouldn't bench a player of his calibre for an entire season, as seen with Kylian Mbappe's situation at PSG when he wanted to join Real Madrid, these players are too good to be sidelined indefinitely.
"The current situation is not ideal, and there might be a need for the league to implement regulations for players under contract.
"They should have an obligation to play until their contractual issues are resolved with their agents.
"There should be a sense of fair play where, even if unhappy, players are expected to represent their club professionally as they are compensated.
"If players refuse to play, there should be clear consequences and a defined process for every player and club, so that no one is surprised."