Pierre Sage, 47, Lens manager, is in talks with Crystal Palace to become the club’s next head coach, with discussions taking place early this week in August 2026 [1]. Sage replaced Lens manager in June 2025 and led the French club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 in the 2025-26 season. He also guided them to their first-ever Coupe de France victory [1, 2].
Sage was previously manager of Lyon but was sacked in January 2025 [2]. His recent success at Lens has renewed his profile as a top coaching candidate.
Crystal Palace’s outgoing head coach Oliver Glasner is leaving at the end of his contract this summer. Glasner won the FA Cup with the club in May 2026 and the UEFA Conference League in June 2026. In an open letter to fans, he expressed gratitude, saying, "The club is built on the strongest of connections between the team and its fans. I feel very fortunate to have been on an amazing journey with you all during the time I have been here" [2].
Andoni Iraola was reportedly Palace’s first-choice candidate to replace Glasner but is currently in talks with Liverpool [1, 2]. Frank Lampard is another candidate under consideration. However, Palace face a compensation fee hurdle of around £5 million to release him from Coventry City [1, 2].
The discussions with Sage appear to stem from the club’s need to secure an experienced top-flight coach after Glasner’s departure. Sage’s track record of success in Ligue 1 and winning domestic honors bolster his appeal to Palace.
Palace expects to finalise their decision on the managerial appointment soon, with talks continuing this week [1].
