Crystal Palace

Ellie Killick
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Some 28 months ago, Oliver Glasner joined Crystal Palace as an unknown manager from the Bundesliga. Fast forward two years and he left a legend, someone who took my team to heights I thought unimaginable and with three trophies in our cabinet.

Now we again sit in familiar territory. Just a few weeks ago, I had no idea who Pierre Sage was, but after reading up on his tremendous seasons with Lyon and Lens, I'm filled with nothing but excitement.

Taking a team from the relegation zone to Europe is no easy feat!

Sage is a manager who knows how to win and, most importantly how to win trophies - and just like us, he comes into the job with momentum.

His announcement interview outlines the exact mentality we want from a manager, and the word "ambition" really resonates with me.

Crystal Palace are currently at a high point and I really hope we continue to go from strength to strength. Now is the time to push on and hopefully Sage gets the correct backing from the board.

Glasner's shoes are going to be hard to fill, but I have full confidence in Sage and I look forward to seeing what the team can achieve under his reign.

Welcome to south London, Pierre Sage. We look forward to welcoming the French flare to Selhurst Park and going on another European tour with you.

Find more from Ellie Killick at Eagle Eye View, external

The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.

And to get in the mood as Crystal Palace start life under Pierre Sage, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.

Get in touch with your memories here

And make sure to come back to this page on Friday to see how the Eagles' league fixture list has fallen.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Pierre Sage's appointment at Crystal Palace and what his priorities are.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: It's a good fit tactically, and he has the experience of winning trophies and playing in Europe. This is less of a French Revolution and more evolution under a younger manager, who is progressive. Will it be a "sage" decision to appoint Pierre? Time will show.

Les: Great appointment. Credit to Steve Parish for getting it done so quickly. However, we must not rest on our laurels. We must get going and sign some players quickly. The squad is very weak and a lot of new faces are needed to revitalise the club. Looking forward to a good season. Come on, you Eagles!

Martin: It feels like Oliver Glaser v2, so I'm happy.

Rob: It's an exciting appointment. Sage has done well on a limited budget at Lens and knows how to win a trophy. Given he plays a similar style to Glasner, I'm hoping he hits the ground running.

Mike: We all wish Sage great and continued success in his career at Palace. My main concern is can Parish walk his talk and recruit the new players needed to take Crystal Palace to the next level? The antecedence in this area is not good and, without considerable investment in the team, next season will be difficult.

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Pierre Sage's Lens side were built not only on aggressive pressing but also a willingness to attack quickly once the ball is won back.

The Opta numbers show a team intent on regaining possession high up the pitch. Lens made 426 high turnovers during the 2025-26 season, frequently turning those moments into chances, producing 69 shots and seven goals.

The focus was not just on winning the ball, but on doing it in areas where they can immediately threaten. That approach shapes how they attack.

The Ligue 1 side produced 65 direct attacks and 55 fast breaks last season, highlighting a clear preference for moving forward at speed rather than recycling possession.

Their overall profile reflects that trade-off.

Lens averaged 51.9% possession in 2025-26 - but their game is less about long spells on the ball and more about what happens the moment they win it back.

It speaks to a deliberate strategy, rather than a lack of control.

The result is the clear identity of a side less concerned about dominating the ball and more focused on controlling games through pressure, regains and rapid transitions.

Image source, Getty Images

New Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has said "Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same", after signing a three-year deal at Selhurst Park.

Sage told Palace club media: "I am excited by the history of the club, and by recent seasons.

"That's why we come here with a lot of ambition."

Glasner was in charge of Palace for 28 months and led the side to a historic FA Cup and Conference League victory, as well as winning the Community Shield.

Sage has joined the Eagles after winning the French Cup with Lens and finishing second in Ligue 1, six points behind champions Paris St-Germain.

"We won last year and we want to continue in this way, in a new club, a new project, but with a lot of winning habits," added Sage.

"We want to give our best every day for the team, for the club, for the people, and especially for the fans, because when you love a club in England, it's for all your life.

"We want to make the fans smile, to be proud of the team, and to be proud of the club - so we will give our best for you, and we are together."

Palace are yet to announce Sage's coaching staff for the 2026-27 campaign.

Chairman Steve Parish said: "I am tremendously excited to welcome Pierre.

"As we move into another European campaign off the back of our success in Leipzig, I know he will give everything to target more success for our fantastic football club."

What do you think of Sage's appointment? Is he the right man and what are his key priorities as he tries to follow on from Glasner's trophy haul?

Get in touch with your views here

Image source, Getty Images

It is time to get your scouting caps on!

We are officially four days and 12 games deep into the biggest World Cup ever, so we want to know who has grabbed your attention early doors - especially as the summer transfer window is now officially open.

What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations? Who have you got down as your one to watch?

Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick from the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC is launching live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every match wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

• Set up live lock screen match updates by following these simple steps

A new predictor game is being introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The new game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real-time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

We asked for your views on who you would keep, sell and loan out from the current Crystal Palace squad this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Keith: One to loan out - Romain Esse. He needs to build his confidence. Still on for the first team future. One to keep - Adam Wharton. Keep him for another year to see us through the Europa League. His value will increase. One to lose - Brennan Johnson. Hopeless case. We should never have bought him. Lightweight, that just doesn't fit.

Moggy: Sell Jean-Philippe Mateta. I've loved watching him but it's time. Bring back Matheus Franca, who's been exciting to watch on the few occasions we've seen him, as well as Jesurun Rak-Sakyi who has spent enough time out on loan and done well. Loan out Esse again. We paid good money for him but another season may help with whatever caused him to be sent out on loan in the first place.

Simon: Sell: Mateus Franca. Loan: Romaine Esse. Give a chance: We have five young players who should be given a chance now - Danny Imray, Owen Goodman, Tayo Adaramola, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, David Ozoh - Imray would be my choice. Excelled in the Championship.

Lucy: Keep - Esse. He had a decent loan period last season with Coventry, and hopefully gained the confidence he needed to match the potential he has. (Also please can we keep Evann Guessand permanently? What a brilliant addition to the team he's been!) Loan: Justin Devenny. Get him some game time elsewhere to build on what he showed in the 2024-25 season. Sell: Borna Sosa. Seems like a good guy with great team spirit, but hasn't performed for us.

Manny: Keep: Adam Wharton at all costs. Consistently excellent and at the heart of the side at their best. Loan: Any of the academy lads who have spent too much time on the first team bench. Let's see what they can do and what pathways there are. Sell: Is it too early to say Brennan Johnson? At the same time, the squad is so small that retention and recruitment is key.

Stephen: Keep - Munoz/Lacroix/Wharton - under all circumstances. Loan - Rio Cardines - To see what he really has, he needs minutes. Sell - Mateta. He clearly wanted to go, try to get the best money for him and move on. I suspect we already have his replacement in Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Sean: We should keep Justin Devenny - he has been excellent when called upon, but needs to push a bit harder to become a first team regular. Loan out Caleb Kporha for more playing experience and sell Brennan Johnson - who has been totally anonymous after his big-money move.

Change is inevitable at football clubs during the summer months and we want to ask you something specific about Crystal Palace's squad.

Tell us:

• One player who has been on the fringes who should be kept and why?

• One player who should be loaned out

• One player who should be sold

We would love names and reasons for all three - get in touch with your views using this form.

The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Eagles selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.

The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.

Crystal Palace's World Cup contingent:

• Owen Goodman (Canada)

• Dean Henderson (England)

• Daichi Kamada (Japan)

• Maxence Lacroix (France)

• Jorgen Strand Larsen (Norway)

• Jefferson Lerma (Colombia)

• Jean-Philippe Mateta (France)

• Daniel Munoz (Colombia)

• Yeremy Pino (Spain)

• Chadi Riad (Morocco)

• Chris Richards (United States)

• Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)

Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

Read more about the World Cup squads in numbers

Find out more about how to follow the competition on the BBC

Click here to download your World Cup 2026 wallchart

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on what one thing needs to change at Crystal Palace before the new campaign and why.

Here are some of your comments:

Sam: New contracts should be given to our crucial midfield duo of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada after appointing Pierre Sage as new manager. The priority is keeping crucial players while adding more strength in positions that need it, for example, a stronger left-winger. Although Pino is developing well, we need a player who can get more goals and assists in that position.

Lee: Physical evidence of the new stand and ground improvements are needed. Plus the first-team squad being beefed up in all areas. Also more proof that there's a tangible pathway from the under-21s and under-18s to the first team and players that have been on loan given a chance in the first team pre-season. The academy is finally finished and more backing for the women's team in the WSL to stay there and grow.

Ollie: Clearly there will be a new manager - hopefully to be announced very soon - and in terms of the squad, much will depend on which players leave and whether any of the young players on loan and on the fringe of the squad are deemed good enough to play a role next season. I think we should sign three first-team ready players to build a stronger squad to compete in the Europa League and Premier League next season, given the obvious struggles we had this year from mid-season onwards, once the toll of playing three times a week really kicked in. If any key players leave, such as Wharton, Kamada or Mateta, they will need to be replaced well too.

Joe: Assuming minimal outgoing transfers, adding depth to the squad, namely in central midfield and wing back, should be the top priority. Palace were really humming along until mid-autumn when the fixtures from the Conference League, League Cup and Premier League began to pile up. It was clear that Palace did not have the depth to navigate all of its competitions.

Mark: Dougie Freedman was an incredible director of football who recommended an incredible manager. Pierre Sage could be a great replacement for Glasner but he will need an excellent recruitment team behind him for the rebuild. I think that should be in focus now to get ready for Palace going up a level.

Gary: We need to do our transfer business early instead of waiting until the end of the window. Then we won't miss the better players.

Juventus have rekindled their interest in Crystal Palace and France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

With all 48 World Cup squads now confirmed, we look at how they shape up and compare with each other leading into the tournament.

Which clubs have the most players?

Looking just at the 20 clubs that made up the 2025-26 Premier League, only this season's top three have more players at the World Cup than Conference League winners Crystal Palace (12).

Including players out on loan over the season, Sunderland remarkably have as many representatives on the global stage as Chelsea and Liverpool (11), showing just how globe-trotting their recruitment was following promotion last summer.

The majority of Brentford, Everton and Leeds' squads can put their feet up and recharge their batteries for next season, with those clubs sending just four players each.

• Get more key stats on participation

The 2026-27 Premier League season will be here before we know it, with the first matches taking place on Saturday, 22 August.

We have a simple question for you - what one thing needs to change at your club before the new campaign and why?

It can be a player, manager, ticketing issue, owner, or wider change.

Let us know in detail here

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Former Botafogo sporting director Alessandro Brito is poised to join Crystal Palace as head scout.

Brito has left the Brazilian side after four years and is due to move to England once formalities are completed.

He helped identify Igor Jesus, John Victor and Jair Cunha for Botafogo, with all joining Nottingham Forest last summer.

Botafogo owner John Textor, a former co-owner of Palace, wanted to keep Brito but he opted to move on last month.

He helped Botafogo win the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship in 2024 having joined in 2022.

Palace are looking for a new manager to replace Oliver Glasner and have been expected to speak to Lens boss Pierre Sage after Glasner left having guided them to the Europa Conference League title.

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

10/10. The Premier League campaign was a disappointment but we all knew why. Sixty matches played, trophies bookending the season. The emotions are a combination of elation and exhaustion after a long journey back from Germany as winners.

Best moment and why?

Jean-Philippe Mateta's winner in Leipzig. The trademark celebration with other players and substitutes running with him to copy his corner flag kick. A player who we thought was gone in January, it may be his 62nd and final goal for the club but it's a historic one.

Player of season and why?

Ismaila Sarr. The first player to break 20 goals in a season since Glenn Murray over a decade ago. Golden Boot winner in the Conference League and was the star of the tournament en route to the final. He also managed to squeeze in an Afcon in the middle.

Unsung hero and why?

For a while, he was literally unsung, while the fans healed their relationship with Mateta and Oliver Glasner - but it's Tyrick Mitchell. A player of the season contender, if not for Sarr. There isn't a right winger in the league who enjoys playing against him.

Biggest disappointment?

That the story of Glasner and Crystal Palace is over. He sparked a paradigm shift at Palace and left the club in a better place than he found it. 121 matches, 53 wins, 193 goals and three trophies. The greatest the club has seen.

What needs to change this summer?

There are many in the group who will attract interest, especially those on show in the World Cup. Football is a game of recruitment at all levels and Palace will need to be prepared.

Hope for next season?

To visit Frankfurt. I've heard the Waldstadion is lovely in May.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

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Departing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has written an open letter to the fans who believed, alongside him, that there is "nothing this club can't achieve".

During his two-year spell in charge at Selhurst Park, the Austrian took the Eagles to FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League glory.

In a letter published by Crystal Palace, external, Glasner said: "I am writing this the morning after the most magnificent evening in Leipzig, which so many of you will have enjoyed both here and at home, and I hope you all still have big smiles on your faces as we do.

"It is hard to explain how I feel leaving Crystal Palace after the last two years, but I have to say what a privilege it has been working for the football club. It is a period that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"I arrived at Selhurst Park as a stranger, now I feel like a South Londoner. Of course, all football fans will say their club is special, but Palace really is unique with a distinct energy rooted within the community and family at the core.

"Most of all, the club is built on the strongest of connections between the team and its fans. I feel very fortunate to have been on an amazing journey with you all during the time I have been here.

"Football - and football management - always comes back to results. Without results you don't stay in any place too long, but the results and even the trophies are not what has made me most proud. What I'm most proud of is being part of a team that we have built together and the bond between the players, the backroom staff, Steve [Parish], the board and, most importantly, you the supporters.

"Together we believed that there is nothing this club can't achieve, no opponent we could not defeat.

"I take with me many happy memories, but what stands out is the atmosphere you created at Selhurst Park on matchdays - the emotion, the intensity, the noise; all of which have provided the fuel for our talented players to express themselves and give their best.

"We created a mindset that we could compete. That doesn't mean you win every single game, but we have shown that Crystal Palace can fight against the very best teams at home and across the continent.

"We had the perfect ending in Leipzig. It was a game that showed just what this group has become. A team that refuses to give in and backs each other every step of the way.

"It will give me great pride to watch you in the Europa League next season, where I know you the supporters will give the team every chance of having another successful season.

"I want to thank you for your amazing support, your resilience and most of all your belief. I will continue to follow your progress and I anticipate your continued success - you deserve it.

"All the best, Oliver Glasner."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on the news that Crystal Palace are set to hold talks with Lens boss Pierre Sage as they look for Oliver Glasner's replacement.

Here are some of your comments:

Allan: I hadn't heard of Oliver Glasner before his appointment and look at his success. Pierre Sage appears to be in the same position - I have no problem with his appointment.

Derek: I had never heard Sage's name, prior to some mention by various people, especially Palace fans. However, he appears to have all the right credentials, and if he wants the job, bring him in. All others are not what we need.

Peter: Of all the names being bandied about as the potential new Palace manager, I would much prefer Sage over all the others. I like what I've read about him and his style, so for us to get him would (hopefully) be good for the club. It would be too easy to say he's got big boots to fill following Glasner's record, and that would be unfair on Sage. Let's hope we get him and give him all our support from the board to the terraces.

Rich: We need to move on in a positive way from Glasner. This chap has a very good reputation and would build on the work Glasner and his team have done at Palace. If we could get him, it would be a great way to build on the strong foundations in place. I hope it's done soon and we also see some additional players of quality joining to add to the squad.

Oliver: I would be quite happy with Sage. His record at Lens has been very good, helping them win the Coupe de France and keeping them in a title race with PSG until the end of April. We need to keep the upward trajectory at Palace and I think he is by far the best out of the names being circled around.

Jake: An interesting choice. He seems to be a modern manager who is flexible in his tactics depending on the opposition. We do need to move away from the rigid tactics Glasner employed to get the best out of players like Eddie Nketiah and Jorgen Strand Larsen, so he seems to be a good option.

Chris: I doubt many Palace fans had heard of Glasner before we appointed him and that turned out OK, so I'll trust the board on this one.* (*Just as long as we don't go for Sean Dyche or Frank Lampard.)

Pedro: Sage is a young, forward-thinking and upwardly mobile manager. An exciting prospect who I'd welcome. Dyche and Thomas Frank aren't good fits. If not, then Kieran McKenna over Lampard. I never believed Andoni Iraola was coming.

Chelsea have rejected multiple approaches for defender Josh Acheampong.

The 20-year-old is a graduate of the academy at Stamford Bridge and as reported elsewhere has been given 'untouchable' status in terms of his future.

It remains unclear whether Acheampong, whose Chelsea contract expires in 2029, is looking for a move away from the club.

However, Arsenal, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are known to be monitoring the situation while Bournemouth also retain an interest in Acheampong from last summer.

Prudent Nsengiyumva
Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Pierre Sage's Lens side are built not only on aggressive pressing but also a willingness to attack quickly once the ball is won back.

The Opta numbers show a team intent on regaining possession high up the pitch. Lens have made 426 high turnovers this season, frequently turning those moments into chances, producing 69 shots and seven goals.

The focus isn't just on winning the ball, but on doing it in areas where they can immediately threaten. That approach shapes how they attack.

The Ligue 1 side have produced 65 direct attacks and 55 fast breaks this season, highlighting a clear preference for moving forward at speed rather than recycling possession.

Their overall profile reflects that trade-off.

Lens averaged 51.9% possession in 2025-26 - but their game is less about long spells on the ball and more about what happens the moment they win it back. It speaks to a deliberate strategy, rather than a lack of control.

The result is the clear identity of a side less concerned about dominating the ball and more focused on controlling games through pressure, regains and rapid transitions.