RC Lens manager Pierre Sage is set to hold talks with Premier League side Crystal Palace this week, according to reports from the BBC and La Voix du Nord. The discussions come after a successful season for Lens, where they secured second place in Ligue 1 and won their first ever Coupe de France title.
Sage’s future at the club has been uncertain since the Coupe de France victory, with the manager himself acknowledging contact with English clubs. He previously stated to Canal Football Club that several clubs had reached out, with Crystal Palace being frequently mentioned. The Palace job became vacant following the departure of Oliver Glasner at the end of the season, and the London club have been actively searching for a replacement.
Lens officials are reportedly frustrated with the ongoing situation and have requested Sage to make a decision quickly to provide clarity on the club’s managerial position. Sage took charge of Lens in February 2024, guiding them to a strong finish in the league and the Coupe de France triumph. Prior to his appointment at Lens, Sage had a spell as the manager of Olympique Lyonnais, though his tenure was relatively short-lived.
Crystal Palace finished 14th in the Premier League last season, narrowly avoiding relegation. The club is looking for a manager who can stabilize the team and build a more consistent performance level. Should Sage take the role, he would become the latest in a line of managers tasked with unlocking the potential within the Palace squad. The appointment could signal a shift in approach for the club, potentially focusing on a more tactical and organized style of play, as demonstrated during his time with Lens.
