Image Credits: Imago Images
Crystal Palace are preparing for life after Oliver Glasner, and replacing the most successful manager in the club’s history is no small task.
The Austrian has cemented his status as a true Eagles legend, delivering an FA Cup, a Europa Conference League triumph and a Community Shield in an unprecedented period of silverware for the South London club.
Now, he is widely expected to take over at AC Milan. The San Siro giants are backed by RedBird Capital, who also hold an investment stake in Liverpool’s ownership structure.
With Glasner heading for one of Europe’s iconic benches, Palace have wasted little time in moving for their next man.
According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are underway between Crystal Palace and RC Lens for Pierre Sage to become the new head coach, with the Frenchman “ready to say yes” to the project since last week:
“Negotiations underway between Crystal Palace and RC Lens for Pierre Sage to become new head coach. Sage, ready to say yes to Palace project since last week,” the Italian posted on X.
What makes the pursuit even more eye-catching from a Liverpool perspective is Sage’s previously stated ambition to manage at Anfield one day.
Asked directly during an appearance on French media last month whether there was one club that “made him dream,” Sage responded plainly, “Liverpool, of course.”
The 47-year-old later expanded on those comments during an interview on Canal Football Club, explaining exactly why the club appeals to him so strongly:
“Liverpool? This club represents so much, it’s a bit like Lens in its values,” Sage said.
“There are other attractive clubs in England, but it would be the holy grail.”
H led Lens to a historic Ligue 1 season that saw them challenge juggernauts PSG for the league title in France. It’s then no surprise that Palace see him as natural successor to Oliver Glasner.
🚨🔴🔵 Negotiations underway between Crystal Palace and RC Lens for Pierre Sage to become new #CPFC head coach.
Sage, ready to say yes to Palace project since last week. pic.twitter.com/tGmhId1xVu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 9, 2026