Football Insider exclusive as Lens manager Pierre Sage applauds, while Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish watches from a circular inset.
(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Mon 1 June 2026 12:49, UK
Pierre Sage is keen on the idea of a move to become the new manager of Crystal Palace, sources have told Football Insider.
The Lens boss is set to engage in talks with the Eagles over the vacant managerial position in the coming days, with the Premier League side prepared to do “everything they can” to convince him to join.
Steve Parish and Co. have got a “big deal” lined up for the 47-year-old, although sources have indicated that Lens are not prepared to let him go unless they absolutely have to.
Sage led the French side to Champions League qualification, victory in the Coupe De France and pushed PSG in the Ligue 1 title race this term, but the lure of the Premier League is set to tempt him away to Selhurst Park.
Palace’s hunt for a new manager has seen them consider several candidates in recent months, but they have now narrowed down their search, and Sage is the clear preferred candidate.
Crystal Palace turn to Pierre Sage after Andoni Iraola disappointment
Palace have been heavily linked with a move for Bournemouth’s departing boss Andoni Iraola in recent weeks, and were making progress towards a potential appointment.
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However, Liverpool’s decision to sack Arne Slot has now taken the Spaniard out of their reach, as his move to take over at Anfield is now imminent.
Club Tenure Games W D L Win %
Lens August 2025 – 40 28 4 8 70%
Lyon November 2023 – January 2025 56 33 9 14 58.93%
Sage’s managerial record, as per Transfermarkt.
Palace have quickly turned their attention towards Sage, and are already well-placed to name him as their new boss in the coming weeks.
His Lens side ultimately finished six points adrift of PSG at the top of the Ligue 1 table, but could have been in line to claim their first title since 1998 had they beaten their rivals with just three games of the season remaining.
Instead, they now face the prospect of losing their manager ahead of next term, with Palace working hard to get a move for the former Lyon chief.
2025/26 saw Pierre Sage's Lens finish 2nd in Ligue 1.
In his debut season with the club, he improved them 18 points and 6 places, keeping them within touching distance of PSG until the final month.
Not only that but he managed to win their first major trophy of the 21st… pic.twitter.com/vqvdhI4p0J
— Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley) June 1, 2026
Sage has never worked outside of France during his managerial career so far, but the Eagles are now ready to give him the chance to prove himself in the Premier League next season.
Eagles ‘confident’ of winning Hayden Hackney transfer race
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Palace are “confident” of signing Hayden Hackney this summer, despite the Middlesbrough star having a whole array of Premier League suitors.
A move to the top flight this summer is seen as an inevitability for the midfielder, but the Eagles feel that they are well-placed to secure his services, given that they have European football on offer.
Brown outlined that Palace and their scouts have been interested in the 23-year-old for several years, and are now weighing up whether he would be worth the gamble for them as a signing in the coming months.
The likes of Nottingham Forest, Everton, Newcastle and Manchester United have also been linked with the former England U21 international, who is destined to leave Middlesbrough ahead of next term.
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