Crystal Palace have opened talks to make RC Lens boss Pierre Sage their next manager, with the club prepared to move on from Oliver Glasner after just 18 months in charge.
Discussions between Palace and Sage’s representatives are underway and have accelerated in the last 48 hours, sources confirmed on Tuesday. While the Eagles continue to assess several candidates, the 46-year-old Frenchman has emerged as the clear frontrunner to take over at Selhurst Park.
Glasner arrived in February 2024 and guided Palace to a 12th-place finish in 2024-25, but a run of one win in nine to end the most recent campaign left the board concerned about direction and style of play. With one year remaining on his contract, Palace are now sounding out alternatives before pre-season begins on July 7.
Sage has built a strong reputation at Lens since taking charge in 2023. He led the club to Champions League qualification in 2023-24 with an aggressive pressing system and strong youth development. This season Lens finished 6th in Ligue 1 and reached the Europa League quarter finals, enhancing his standing across Europe.
Palace co-owner Steve Parish is believed to be driving the process. The club wants a head coach who can implement a clear identity, improve academy integration, and work within their data-led recruitment model. Sage’s track record at Lens ticks all three boxes, and his willingness to promote young players fits Palace’s squad profile.
Talks are still at an early stage and no agreement is in place. Lens would be due compensation, with Sage under contract until 2027. Palace have not formally informed Glasner of any decision, but the Austrian is aware the club are reviewing the position.
Other names under consideration include Kieran McKenna and Francesco Farioli, but Palace have stepped up their interest in Sage after positive initial conversations. The club hopes to have clarity before players return for testing in early July.
Glasner’s staff remain in place for now. Palace finished 14th last season, eight points clear of relegation, but struggled for goals and consistency after Eberechi Eze’s January departure to Arsenal.
Should Sage arrive, he would become the first Frenchman to manage Palace in the Premier League era.
Leave a Reply