Crystal Palace to appoint Pierre Sage as head coach

Crystal Palace is finalizing the appointment of Pierre Sage as its new head coach, with an official announcement expected on Wednesday, June 10. The French manager will join from Lens on a three-year contract, with an option for a further year, after the clubs agreed on a compensation package reportedly worth up to 5 million pounds.

Sage, 47, emerged as the primary candidate for the Premier League club after its initial target, Andoni Iraola, moved to Liverpool earlier this month. The Palace hierarchy was reportedly impressed by Sage's recent achievements in France, where he guided Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and secured qualification for the Champions League. He also led the club to its first-ever Coupe de France triumph last season. His tactical approach, player development record, and ability to build competitive teams on a sustainable model aligned with the club's vision.

The appointment follows the departure of Oliver Glasner, who left at the end of the 2025-26 season after a successful tenure that saw Palace win the FA Cup, Community Shield, and most recently the Europa Conference League in May. The club had considered other candidates, including Frank Lampard...