Crystal Palace agree deal in principle for Lens coach Pierre Sage

By Callum Ashford — 9 June 2026 — 3 min read

Crystal Palace have reached an agreement in principle for Pierre Sage to become their new head coach. The club is reportedly close to finalising a compensation package with Sage’s current team, RC Lens, for the French coach.

Sage is expected to sign a contract that would run until the summer of 2029, with an additional option for a further year. This move follows Oliver Glasner‘s decision not to extend his contract at Selhurst Park, which is set to expire on June 30.

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Search for a New Head Coach

Crystal Palace had initially identified Andoni Iraola as their primary target to succeed Glasner. However, Iraola subsequently became the head coach for Liverpool, leading Palace to shift their focus. Reports indicate that Palace had made a proposal to Iraola, but he ultimately agreed to a two-year contract with Liverpool.

Following Iraola’s move, Palace turned their attention to Sage. The club held discussions with the Lens manager and initiated contact with the Ligue 1 side to negotiate a financial arrangement for his release from his current contract. Other names considered for the role included Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna, and Sean Dyche.

Sage, who is 47, took over as Lens manager in June of the previous year. Under his leadership, Lens achieved a second-place finish in Ligue 1. He also guided the team to victory in the Coupe de France, marking the first time in the club’s 120-year history that they had won the competition, beating Nice in the final.

Sage’s Coaching Philosophy and Achievements

Both Crystal Palace and Pierre Sage have recently experienced success in securing trophies. Crystal Palace has won multiple major trophies over the last 12 months, which are noted as the first pieces of silverware in their history. These achievements include the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Conference League, all secured under the guidance of former boss Oliver Glasner, marking what has been described as a golden era for the club.

Sage’s tenure at Lens has also been highlighted by significant accomplishments. He led his Ligue 1 team into a title race against European champions Paris Saint-Germain during the recent season, with Lens holding the top position at the end of February. His main achievement at Lens was the victory in the Coupe de France, which was the club’s first trophy.

Sage has a history of coaching with a back three system, a formation that Glasner also effectively utilised at Crystal Palace. During his time at Lens, Sage was able to develop an attack-minded team, even though they did not consistently dominate possession in their matches. This tactical approach and his recent success suggest a potential continuation of the style of play established during Glasner’s period at Selhurst Park.

While Sage has not previously managed in the Premier League, this was also the case for Glasner before his arrival in south London. The agreement in principle signifies a new chapter for Crystal Palace as they look to build on their recent successes and continue their development under new leadership.