BBC Sport had previously reported that Palace were in talks with the 47-year-old Frenchman, and the club is now putting the finishing touches on a financial package designed to accelerate his departure from the French club. According to ESPN, Palace will pay Lens approximately €5 million to secure his release.
Sage joined Lens twelve months ago and delivered an immediate impact, guiding the club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 — just six points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain — and to their first Coupe de France triumph in their 120-year history, beating Nice 3-1 in the final at the Stade de France on May 22. He was named Ligue 1 Manager of the Season for his efforts.
The appointment represents a significant change of direction for Palace, who had been keen on a move for former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola before he signed a two-year deal with Liverpool earlier this month. The Eagles also discussed Coventry manager Frank Lampard, former Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, and ex-Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Everton head coach Sean Dyche as alternative options before settling on Sage.
Sage's rise has been rapid. He took over at Olympique Lyonnais from the bottom of the table in 2024 and guided them to contention for European places, before his dismissal in January 2025 led to the Lens role just months later. His style — structured, possession-oriented, with an attacking emphasis — saw Lens rank second for goals scored and first for big chances created in Ligue 1 last season, while only PSG conceded fewer goals.
His command of English is understood to be at a good level, which should ease his transition at Selhurst Park. Palace's Conference League triumph means they will play Europa League football next season — but a tricky summer awaits regardless. The future of France forward Jean-Philippe Mateta remains unresolved as he enters the final year of his contract, England midfielder Adam Wharton has been linked with several other Premier League clubs, and Crystal Palace have offered a new deal to midfielder Daichi Kamada following the expiry of his contract.
Sage inherits a squad that includes Ismaila Sarr, Tyrick Mitchell and Mateta — and a standard, set by Glasner's FA Cup and Conference League successes, that will not lower itself simply because the man in the dugout has changed.