Crystal Palace and Fulham Locked in Battle for Ligue 1 Star Coach Pierre Sage

Pierre Sage is a wanted man with two London Premier League rivals potentially facing a tug of war for the French coach of the season’s services, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Sage had previously been linked with Queens Park Rangers, but that was before he masterminded FC Lens’ bid for a shock Ligue 1 title challenge this season.

Now, the 47-year-old’s ambitions lie above the Championship. 

Europa Conference League finalists Crystal Palace have the former Lyon chief on the shortlist to replace Oliver Glasner, who will quit Selhurst Park at the end of the season.

But if the Eagles differ, then Fulham are keen to swoop should Marco Silva turn down a new contract offer.

Silva has again brushed aside speculation about his future, saying a decision will be made at the end of the campaign.

It seems likely, though, the Cottagers’ Portuguese boss will leave, potentially as a replacement for Jose Mourinho at Benfica should the ‘Special One’ return to Real Madrid as is widely expected.

MID-TABLE MEDIOCRITY

Fulham’s season has meandered to mid-table mediocrity, including last weekend’s drab draw at the bottom of the table, Wolves.

Sage is certainly in demand, especially after receiving the accolade of Ligue Un’s top boss, ahead of Paris Saint- Germain’s Luis Enrique.

He was recognised for pushing the European club champions all the way in the title race. Only a recent 2-0 to the Parisiens ended Lens’ dream.

However, Lens, who have qualified for next season’s Champions League, are 90 minutes away from lifting the Coupe de France for the first time since 1998. 

They face relegation-threatened Nice in the final on May 22, potentially Sage’s last match in charge.

During his time with Lyon, he took them from the relegation zone up to sixth and to a first French cup final in 13 years. 

He had replaced former Southampton manager Will Still but was then axed in January 2025.