Crystal Palace to Speak With Lens Manager Pierre Sage Among Several Managerial Options

Pierre Sage is expected to hold talks with Crystal Palace during the early part of this week as the Premier League club seeks a replacement for Oliver Glasner. The 47-year-old Lens manager has won 27 of his 40 games in charge since taking over in June 2025. BBC Sport first reported Palace's interest in Sage on 8 May 2026.

Crystal Palace made a firm proposal to Andoni Iraola, its first-choice candidate, but Iraola is now set to begin formal talks with Liverpool in the coming days after Arne Slot was sacked on Saturday. With that move appearing likely, Palace is now monitoring alternative options. Chairman Steve Parish leads the club, which will not rush into a decision.

Sage led Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and to victory in the Coupe de France, beating Nice for the club's first title in its 120-year history. He is said to be open to joining Crystal Palace. Officials are expected to meet him in the coming days.

Crystal Palace is examining a number of managerial options and keeping an open mind while taking time to decide its new first-choice target. Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna, Dino Toppmoller, Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche are also being considered. A number of the candidates have already held talks with the club.

Lampard has key admirers at Selhurst Park and is believed to be aware of the interest. He led Coventry to the Championship title and Premier League promotion. Lampard has 12 months left on his contract with Coventry, and releasing him is likely to cost a significant sum.

Kieran McKenna is on big wages at Ipswich and is believed to have a release clause worth a minimum of £5 million. Oliver Glasner announced in January 2026 that he would leave Crystal Palace at the end of his contract this summer after leading the club to the FA Cup last season and the Conference League this term.