Crystal Palace have announced an agreement in principle to hire French manager Pierre Sage as their new head coach. The London club seeks to continue the work started by Oliver Glasner, who left command after leading the team to historic achievements, including the first European cup.
Sage, 47, arrives after a remarkable season at Lens. He took over the French club in June 2025 and, in less than a year, led the team to runner-up in Ligue 1 — guaranteeing a place in the Champions League — and to the Coupe de France title, the first in the club’s history, with a 3-1 victory over Nice in the final played in May 2026.
Glasner’s departure was confirmed at the beginning of 2026. The Austrian, who arrived at Palace in 2024, handed the fans the first major trophies in the club’s history: the 2025 FA Cup, the Community Shield and the UEFA Conference League, won in May with a triumph over Rayo Vallecano. His departure paved the way for a new cycle at Selhurst Park.
Sage brings family style and European ambition
The French coach is seen as a natural option to maintain the high-pressing DNA implemented by Glasner. At Lens, Sage assembled a competitive team that challenged PSG and showed defensive solidity combined with quick transitions, characteristics that please the Palace board.
Unlike other names that circulated, such as Andoni Iraola — who ended up signing with Liverpool —, Sage showed immediate interest in the English project. Negotiations progressed quickly, with Crystal Palace willing to pay compensation to Lens, a club that still had a contract with the coach until 2028.
What changes for Crystal Palace
Sage’s arrival represents a bet on a coach on the rise, with recent experience in European competitions. The Frenchman has already played for Lyon and knows the pressure of big stages. For Palace, which is experiencing financial stability and growing ambition after recent achievements, the objective is to fight for European places consistently in the next Premier League season.
The official announcement is expected to take place in the coming days, with Sage taking charge for pre-season. Eagles fans are eagerly following the beginning of a new era that promises to keep the club among the protagonists of English football.
