- Two RC Lens players Pierre Sage should bring to Palace
- Top young prospects ready for Premier League
- Sage’s pull could convince them
Crystal Palace are reportedly holding talks with RC Lens manager Pierre Sage over a potentially switch to South London to fill the managerial vacancy left by Oliver Glasner.
Rumours around Sage’s name have been consistent since it was confirmed that Glasner would be leaving, but the heat is starting to turn up.
Lens will require compensation to see Sage leave, and are no slouches in terms of negotiations, with Champions League football to offer.
Sage has built a superb squad in Northern France, with a key spine of young talent that led the club to a historic Coupe De France win against Nice this season.
However, there are two players who stand out amongst the Lens squad, and should Sage make the switch to South London, he should do his best to bring this pair with him.
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Mamadou Sangaré
Valued at £25 million, Sangaré is a Malian midfielder, and is just 23 years old.
Lens are one of the savviest clubs when it comes to transfers in Europe. Buying low and selling high is the name of the game for Les Sang et Or, who have seen profits flipped on the likes of Kevin Danso and Medina before.
Sangaré impressed at Rapid Vienna before his move to Lens last Summer. As with many Ligue 1 signings, Sangaré was relatively unknown, but it did not take long for him to make a name for himself.
Superb both in and out of possession, Sangarés tackling statistics are the best in the division, also ranking in the top five of Europe’s top five leagues.
His passing ability also stands out, and his dribbling style makes his work seem effortless.
Sangaré is a perfect fit for the Premier League and would be a superb signing for Palace.
Ismaëlo Ganiou
Ganiou is a 21-year-old defender who played over 2,000 minutes for Lens last season, scoring three goals.
His average rating for the campaign was a 7.12, a superb level of consistency for such a young player.
Sent off on his Lens debut, Ganiou has only gone from strength to strength since then.
Primarily playing as a right sided central defender, Ganiou’s output is superb.
He ranks in the 92nd percentile for goals, 91st percentile for possession won and 85th percentile for shots for players in Europe’s top five leagues who play in the same position.
He ranks statistically similar to the likes of Nico Schlotterbeck, Edmond Tapsoba and Ramy Bensebaini.
Valued around £8-£10 million, Ganiou would be a no brainer signing for Sage to bring with him to Palace.
