- Crystal Palace transfer news and updates
- Eagles eyeing Ismaelo Ganiou
- Lens defender could join Pierre Sage at Selhurst Park
Crystal Palace are set to confirm the appointment of Pierre Sage as manager, and the French coach seems to be pushing for a quick reunion. The club are likely to announce that Sage has succeeded Oliver Glasner today (June 10th).
According to Flashscore, Palace are eyeing France-born defender Ismaelo Ganiou, who developed under Sage at Lens. The young centre-back is also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Ganiou is a promising young talent who impressed this past season. He only arrived at Stade Bollaert-Delelis last summer, but could be on the move in this transfer window.
Crystal Palace want Ganiou
There’s no word on whether Palace’s interest in Ganiou stems from Sage’s appointment. It makes sense that the Lens star is on the club’s radar if his former manager is to take the reins at Selhurst Park.
Dortmund are thought to be the club mostly pushing for the France U21 international. But the chance to link up with Sage in South London could be enticing.
Lens are demanding around €35m to sell their defender who made 29 appearances across competitions this season, scoring three goals. He’s one of several centre-backs the Eagles have been linked with in recent months.
A Sage signing
There’s no telling how Sage wants to set up his Palace team, or whether moving for Ganiou means one of the current starting centre-backs is at risk. Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Jaydee Canvot were terrific and their partnership helped handle Marc Guehi’s exit in January.
Chadi Riad also impressed when called upon, putting in a fine display in the Eagles’ Conference League final win over Rayo Vallecano. It should be noted that Ganiou is still young and might not be viewed as an immediate starter.
Sage gave a glowing verdict of the youngster after handing him consistent minutes during Lens’ Ligue 1 campaign. He said: “Ismaelo Ganiou is proving that he deserved the opportunity he seized. He’s even becoming a player who commands a slightly different level of respect in everyone’s eyes.”
That level of praise highlights Sage’s view of the Frenchman and why he might want him at Selhurst Park. While those two could be reunited, there’s a chance Glasner looks to take Jean-Philippe Mateta with him to AC Milan.
