Crystal Palace ‘exploring move’ for manager Liverpool admire

Crystal Palace are reportedly considering moving for Pierre Sage as Oliver Glasner’s successor. The Lens manager has emerged as the Eagles’ new first-choice candidate to replace Glasner.

According to Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT, Palace are eyeing Sage after missing out on Andoni Iraola. The departing Bournemouth boss is expected to take charge at Anfield.

Iraola had been top of the club’s wishlist to succeed Glasner but he is instead likely to replace Arne Slot. The Reds sacked Slot on Saturday and the Spaniard is the frontrunner for the job.

Palace want Sage

Sage is a name that has been mentioned in recent months in connection with the Palace vacancy. He is highly regarded, having overseen an impressive reign at Lens in Ligue 1.

The 47-year-old is appreciated by Liverpool but they prefer Iraola. That gives the Eagles the opportunity to appoint the Frenchman who has two years left on his contract.

Crystal Palace are exploring a move for highly-regarded Lens manager Pierre Sage.🦅

Sage also one of a handful of names appreciated by Liverpool, but Andoni Iraola is the clear favourite to replace Arne Slot, with talks set to take place today.🔴

🤝 @alex_crook pic.twitter.com/S3NO8L3rNp

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 31, 2026

Sage took charge of Lens back in July 2025 after steering Lyon out of a relegation battle and to a sixth-placed finish in 2023-24. He then left the Groupama Stadium and headed to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

This season has been a magnificent one for Sage at Lens. His side finished second in Ligue 1 and won the French Cup.

Sage is a popular choice among Palace fans and he now looks to be the favourite to replace Glasner. The Austrian bid farewell this week after guiding the Eagles to the UEFA Conference League.

Other names on the club’s shortlist include Dino Toppmoller and Frank Lampard. An appointment will likely be made before the World Cup to allow selected players to head off for the tournament with clarity on the managerial situation.

The best option

Sage is an exciting tactician who has been earning praise throughout his time managing in France. He ticks plenty of boxes for Palace, including his tactical flexibility.

The French coach has also worked with several high-profile players including Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki. Their time together came at Lyon, and the French attacking gem developed into one of the best playmakers in Europe.