Crystal Palace to meet Lens manager Sage about head coach role in 2026

Crystal Palace will hold discussions with Lens manager Pierre Sage this week as they search for a replacement for outgoing head coach Oliver Glasner.

Sage set for Palace talks Crystal Palace are preparing for early-week conversations with Lens head coach Pierre Sage as the Premier League club advances plans to appoint a successor for Oliver Glasner. The Eagles had prioritized first-choice candidate Andoni Iraola but now face the prospect of exploring other candidates after Iraola entered formal talks with Liverpool to replace the recently dismissed Arne Slot. With Iraola potentially leaving for another club, Palace are broadening their search while carefully considering all available options. The south London side, under the leadership of chairman Steve Parish, have opted for a measured approach rather than rushing a decision on their next manager. ## Lens boss open to Palace move Reports of Palace's interest in Sage first emerged on May 8, though at that time the club was focused on securing Iraola from Bournemouth. Sage has since established himself as one of Europe’s most promising coaches and is reportedly receptive to the possibility of joining Crystal Palace. The 47-year-old Lens manager is expected to meet with Palace representatives in the coming days as discussions gather pace. His club has seen significant success under his guidance, providing a compelling case for a potential move. ## Sage’s Lens achievements highlighted Sage took charge of Lens in June of last year and guided them to a Ligue 1 runners-up finish, narrowly missing out on the title. He also led the club to victory in the Coupe de France, securing their first-ever trophy in 120 years by defeating Nice in the final. Palace are approaching their managerial search with flexibility, wanting to thoroughly evaluate all options before settling on their preferred candidate. The club’s leadership remains patient, avoiding any rush to finalize a decision while weighing multiple possibilities. ## Other managerial candidates in play Alongside Sage, Palace are considering several other candidates in their hunt for a new manager. Among them are Frank Lampard, currently in charge of Coventry, who has reportedly taken notice of Palace’s interest. Lampard has built a strong reputation at Coventry, securing promotion to the Premier League this season. However, his contract at Coventry runs for another year, and releasing him could involve a substantial financial outlay that may pose a challenge. Kieran McKenna, who orchestrated Ipswich’s return to the top flight, is another option under consideration. ## Additional names on Palace’s shortlist McKenna’s release clause at Ipswich is believed to be valued at least £5 million, which could complicate his potential move. Other targets include Dino Toppmoller, previously boss of Eintracht Frankfurt, Thomas Frank, the former Tottenham manager, and Sean Dyche, who has managed Burnley and Nottingham Forest. Unlike Lampard and McKenna, Toppmoller, Frank, and Dyche currently have no club affiliations, making them potentially easier to appoint. Palace are exploring all avenues as they work to identify the best fit for the role. ## Glasner’s exit leaves vacancy at Palace Oliver Glasner announced in January that he would leave Crystal Palace at the end of his contract this summer. The Austrian manager guided the club to the FA Cup last season and secured a triumph in the Conference League this term with a commanding win over Rayo. His departure has triggered Palace’s search for a new head coach as they aim to build on their recent success. The club remains open-minded while evaluating candidates with varying levels of availability and financial demands.