Crystal Palace have reached an agreement with Racing Club de Lens to appoint Pierre Sage as their new manager, according to reports from RMC Sport. The deal is reportedly worth €5 million, including €2 million in potential bonuses, and will see Sage depart Lens after just one season with the club.
Sage guided Lens to a historic Coupe de France victory, the first in the club’s history, but had recently indicated his uncertainty about his future during media appearances. At Crystal Palace, the 47-year-old will sign a three-year contract, keeping him at Selhurst Park until June 2029.
He takes over from Oliver Glasner, who left the London club having secured three trophies in a year – the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Europa Conference League. Sage will inherit a squad preparing for Europa League football and will reunite with French internationals Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta, both of whom are expected to feature for France at the upcoming World Cup.
Prior to his time at Lens, Sage gained experience as a coach with Olympique Lyonnais. His appointment represents a significant step up for the manager, moving from Ligue 1 to the Premier League. The move is expected to challenge Sage to adapt to a different style of management and a more competitive league. This appointment signals a new direction for Crystal Palace as they look to build on recent successes and establish themselves as a consistent force in the Premier League.
