- Latest on Sage to Palace
- Agreement reached between Palace and Frenchman
- Palace must pay compensation
In a breaking news story coming from France, Marc Mechenoua, a PSG journalist, has confirmed that Pierre Sage has informed RC Lens of his desire to leave the club to join Crystal Palace. In an article for Onze Mondial, Mechenoua broke the huge update on the situation, and added some further context that Palace fans will want to hear.
Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed this story too..
Since Oliver Glasner’s departure was confirmed, the club have been actively searching for his replacement, and Pierre Sage’s name is one which has been consistently coming to the top of the list.
The story has developed rapidly over the last week, with Sage initially being considered untouchable. Now, it appears that the Frenchman is set on a move to Selhurst Park.
Yesterday, we reported that Palace had met with Sage to share their proposal, and that those talks had gone well.
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The latest on Sage to Palace
Mechenoua’s report explains that the story between Lens and Sage is now over, barring an ‘unlikely turn of events’. Sage won the manager of the season award and after numerous days of reports from English press linking Sage to the vacancy at Selhurst Park, it appears a deal is almost complete.
Palace reportedly increased their interest and tempo and after meeting with Sage, they have reportedly reached an agreement with the former Lyon man.
Sage informed Lens president Joseph Oughourlian and director Jean-Louis Leca of his desire to join Palace on Tuesday.
Lens had been anticipating the coach’s departure and were themselves working on sourcing a suitable replacement.
Lens will seek to enter negotiations with Palace to agree compensation for the manager who is still contracted to the French club.
The hierarchy at RC Lens will look to agree a compensation package with Palace, as they continue to look for their own successor.
Sage a perfect fit for Palace
Sage has been one of the standout managers in Europe this year, and his style of play is similar to that of Oliver Glasner’s, if not slightly more aggressive.
The players he has coached at Lens that he could entice to join him in South London would also be fantastic, the likes of Mamadou Sangaré and Ismaëlo Ganiou would be shrewd additions.
Whilst the initial links seemed to be stylistic comparisons, it now appears that Sage is the front runner for the Palace role, and would be an exciting appointment.
It would also be another huge sign of Steve Parish’s strong decision making, with another ambitious appointment to match that of his Glasner signing just over two yeara ago.
