Pierre Sage is without most of his best players at Crystal Palace right now due to the World Cup, but the Frenchman still has plenty of talent to work with at Copers Cope.
The likes of Adam Wharton, Jaydee Canvot, Romain Esse, Matheus Franca, Brennan Johnson, David Ozoh and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi are back in training at Copers Cope looking to impress Oliver Glasner’s replacement.
Franca in particular has plenty of work to do after a disappointing loan spell at Vasco da Gama last season, but Sage must clear up an awkward situation involving the Brazilian and Johnson first.
How can Brennan Johnson make a name for himself at Crystal Palace? 🏴
Matheus Franca is without a squad number after £35m signing of Brennan Johnson
While the South American was on loan at Vasco da Gama last season, Johnson arrived in a £35m January move from Tottenham and took his No.11 shirt.
For many footballers – particularly South Americans who are usually more emotional – a shirt number is quite a personal thing, and they can often be left disillusioned should it be messed around with.
For example, Anthony Martial memorably threw a strop after Manchester United signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic and gave the Swede his No.9 shirt.
We have even seen it at Crystal Palace after Sam Johnstone expressed annoyance on social media after Dean Henderson was handed the No.1 shirt in the summer of 2025, and he was made to take No.32 instead.
Considering Johnson is yet to even score a goal for Crystal Palace in his 26 appearances so far, Franca may feel the Welshman is undeserving of the No.11 shirt – which is a leading number in football famously worn by the likes of Gareth Bale, Mohamed Salah and Neymar.
The Brazil U20 international could now take the No.42 shirt following the departure of Kaden Rodney.
Franca wore that number at Flamengo before his £26m move to Crystal Palace.
Does Matheus Franca have a future at Crystal Palace? 🇧🇷
The South American has previously worn the No.34 shirt, the No.10 and the No.9 in Brazil too, but these numbers are currently taken by Chadi Riad, Yeremy Pino and Eddie Nketiah respectively.
