Crystal Palace are on the verge of announcing Pierre Sage as the replacement for Oliver Glasner.
Andoni Iraola was the first choice, but Steve Parish has acted quickly after the Spaniard moved to Liverpool and is on the brink of unveiling one of the most talented coaches in France.
Sage leaves RC Lens having guided them to the French Cup last season – the first in their history – having also pushed PSG close in the Ligue 1 title race, ultimately finishing second.
As Crystal Palace prepare to announce the 47-year-old as the replacement for Glasner, you can see the key details below.
Initial thoughts on Pierre Sage? 🤔
He can boast a 67.5% win ratio from 40 games at RC Lens 😍
Pierre Sage to cost Crystal Palace an initial £2.6m
Considering the Frenchman still had two years remaining on his contract with RC Lens, Crystal Palace had to negotiate a compensation fee.
Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport now states that this sum is worth an initial €3m (£2.6m) – with an additional €2m (£1.7m) potentially following in bonuses.
It remains to be seen what achievements trigger that bonus payment, but we presume it will be something relatively simple like avoiding relegation or finishing in the top ten of the Premier League.
The reliable Hawkins adds that Sage is signing a deal running for three years, and contrary to reports elsewhere, there will be no option included for a fourth year.
Funnily enough, that £2.6m compensation fee is basically set to be covered by FIFA.
Due to the fact Crystal Palace have 12 players involved in the World Cup, FIFA are set to issue a payment to the Eagles understood to be worth at least £2m – more depending on how far those 12 players go in the tournament.
Where do you think we can finish in the UEFA Europa League next season after victory in Leipzig? 🤔
If Nottingham Forest can reach the last four while in a relegation battle, surely we can at least make the final? 👀
Having also banked just under £30m from winning the UEFA Conference League and gaining access to the UEFA Europa League as a result, the fee for Sage is practically a drop in the ocean.
