Pierre Sage has a number of decisions to make after replacing Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace.
The Frenchman needs to decide who to entrust to lead the line next season between Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jorgen Strand Larsen, while he must also choose whether to make Chadi Riad a regular alongside Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix, or keep Jaydee Canvot in the side.
There is a lot to consider, but according to RTE Esporte in Brazil, Sage has already made up his mind when it comes to Matheus Franca.
Initial thoughts on Pierre Sage? 🤔
He can boast a 67.5% win ratio from 40 games at RC Lens 😍
Matheus Franca not in Pierre Sage’s plans as Crystal Palace target another loan move
The respected South American news outlet say the Brazilian does not feature in Sage’s plans at Selhurst Park – although Crystal Palace do not intend to offload the £26m man for good.
RTE Esporte say the Eagles hope to find another loan move for Franca after his unproductive stint at Vasco da Gama last season, and he is wanted by Fernando Diniz at Corinthians.
It is said that the 22-year-old’s representatives are keen for him to stay in Brazil, so the move to Corinthians could well be on.
Franca – who has struggled with injuries in recent years – is under contract with Crystal Palace until July 2028. Therefore, another disappointing season next term will force Steve Parish into a decision on the South American forward next summer, by which point he will only have 12 months left on his deal and could end up leaving for free.
It would be nice to see Sage hand the Brazilian a chance to prove himself in pre-season this summer, with Crystal Palace competing in the Como Cup against RC Lens and others.
Under Roy Hodgson and Glasner, the man born in Rio de Janeiro was only given 19 appearances, with just two of those coming as starts.
Does Matheus Franca have a future at Crystal Palace? 🇧🇷
However – if RTE Esporte are to be trusted – it sounds like a decision has already been made on Franca.
