Crystal Palace’s search for a new manager has provided another indication that former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo is firmly on the radar of English clubs as he pursues a return to the country.
The Argentine, who won the Premier League title with Chelsea under José Mourinho, has been holding talks with clubs in England ahead of next season.
According to Brazilian outlet Trivela, Crystal Palace considered Crespo during their managerial search before moving towards the appointment of Pierre Sage, while Championship clubs have also held discussions with the 50-year-old.
The development is interesting given the growing number of coaching vacancies and changes across English football this summer.
Crespo remains without a club after leaving São Paulo in March, but his profile appears to be attracting attention after a coaching career which has brought trophies in South America, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Proven winner building English links
Hernan Crespo’s biggest achievement as a manager came with Al Ain, leading the Emirati club to a surprise AFC Champions League triumph in 2024.
Before that, he won the Copa Sudamericana with Defensa y Justicia, lifted silverware with Al-Duhail and ended São Paulo’s long wait for a trophy by securing the Paulista title in 2021.
Those successes have helped build a reputation for a coach who favours proactive football. Crespo recently explained that his teams are built around possession, attacking play and aggressive pressing, while maintaining balance when recovering the ball.
That approach could appeal to clubs in both the Premier League and Championship as English football continues to favour front-foot coaches capable of developing clear tactical identities.
Chelsea connection remains strong
Hernan Crespo
Hernan Crespo
While Crystal Palace appear set to go in another direction, the report is another reminder that Crespo’s ambition remains focused on England.
The former striker spent five years on Chelsea’s books between 2003 and 2008, winning the Premier League and sharing a dressing room with players such as Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard.
He has repeatedly spoken about his affection for English football and recently described the Premier League as his preferred destination.
There is also an interesting Chelsea angle beyond his playing career. Despite the club changing manager this summer, Crespo never appeared to emerge as a serious candidate for the role, even with his historic links to Stamford Bridge and growing managerial CV.
Instead, interest is currently coming from elsewhere in the English game. Palace may be close to appointing Sage, but the conversations held with Crespo suggest English clubs are increasingly willing to look at his credentials.
With more meetings planned in the coming days, the former Chelsea forward appears determined to turn his long-standing Premier League ambition into reality.