Crystal Palace have named Pierre Sage as their new manager, securing the Frenchman on a three-year contract that runs until the summer of 2029.

The Eagles reached an agreement with Ligue 1 side RC Lens on a compensation package to release Sage from his existing deal at the club. The 47-year-old rose to the top of Palace's shortlist after Andoni Iraola opted to join Liverpool as head coach.

Palace began their managerial search following Oliver Glasner's decision not to extend his contract at Selhurst Park, which expires on 30 June. The Austrian oversaw one of the most celebrated periods in the club's history, guiding them to FA Cup glory and signing off with a victory in the Conference League final in May.

Who is Pierre Sage?

Sage arrives at Selhurst Park in a similar state of momentum to the club itself. Crystal Palace enter a new era having claimed multiple major trophies — the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and the Conference League — all within the past 12 months and all firsts for the club.

Sage, too, delivered a historic achievement in his final season at RC Lens. He guided the Ligue 1 club to Coupe de France glory, the first trophy in Lens's history, while also mounting a genuine title challenge against European champions Paris Saint-Germain — with Lens leading the standings as late as the end of February.

His time at Lyon also gave Sage extensive experience with a back-three system — exactly the tactical foundation Glasner built at Crystal Palace. At Lens, he demonstrated an ability to construct an attacking, dynamic side without necessarily dominating the ball, a trait that aligns closely with the identity Glasner established in south London.

Sage has never managed in the Premier League before, but that was equally true of Glasner when he first arrived at Selhurst Park — and the Austrian transformed the club into trophy winners. Palace will be hoping Sage can continue that trajectory.