Crystal Palace has reached an agreement to bring in Pierre Sage as their new head coach on a deal running through June 2029, marking the French manager’s first foray into English football after a breakthrough season that turned him into one of Europe’s most sought-after coaching talents.

The 47-year-old, who currently manages RC Lens in Ligue 1, will replace Oliver Glasner following the Austrian’s departure at the end of the 2025/26 season.

From Lyon rescue act to Ligue 1’s best manager

Sage took charge of Lyon in January 2024, a club that was in genuine crisis at the time, and steadied the ship before departing in January 2025. He then joined RC Lens in July 2025 on a contract through June 2028.

Sage guided Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and a Coupe de France victory, earning him Ligue 1 Manager of the Season honors.

The deal and what Palace is paying

The club is reportedly preparing to offer Sage a wage package that could triple or quadruple his current earnings at Lens. The long-term nature of the contract, running through June 2029, signals a multi-year project built around Sage’s philosophy and methods.

Negotiations had reportedly reached an advanced stage by early June 2026, though Lens’ ownership had shown resistance to losing their manager. Compensation discussions between the two clubs were a sticking point, but those hurdles appear to have been cleared.

Born on May 5, 1979, Sage will arrive at Selhurst Park as a relatively young manager by Premier League standards.

Why Sage over the other candidates

Palace’s search wasn’t a one-name exercise. Previous candidates for the role included Andoni Iraola and Frank Lampard before the club landed on Sage.