Pierre Sage makes Crystal Palace transfer plan with Edouard eyed for surprise return

Crystal Palace are preparing for a new era at Selhurst Park, with Pierre Sage expected to become the club’s next manager following Oliver Glasner’s departure.

The Eagles have moved quickly in their search for a successor and Sage has emerged as the man trusted to lead the club into the next chapter.

The French coach is poised to arrive with a growing reputation after impressing in his homeland, guiding Lens to a Coupe de France triumph and second-placed Ligue 1 finish last season.

Sage has agreed a deal in principle to join Palace, and will sign a three-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months (Sky Sports).

Replacing Glasner will not be an easy task by any means.

The Austrian helped establish Palace as a trophy-winning side for the first time in their history, with the Eagles hoisting the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League aloft during Glasner’s historic tenure.

Supporters will naturally be eager to see how Sage approaches the challenge and what changes he looks to make once he officially takes charge.

One of the biggest questions surrounds recruitment.

A new manager often brings fresh ideas and preferred targets, and it appears Sage is already identifying players he believes could strengthen the squad.

Palace are expected to be active in the market as they look to ensure the transition between managers is as smooth as possible.

That process may involve a familiar face.

Sage personally identifies Odsonne Edouard as top Crystal Palace target

According to SportsBoom, Sage is personally very keen on the possibility of Palace re-signing Odsonne Edouard this summer.

The striker is a player the incoming Palace boss knows well and reportedly remains a huge admirer of.

The report claims Sage would welcome the opportunity to work with Edouard again and views him as someone capable of adding quality and experience to Palace’s attacking options.

Meanwhile, SportsBoom also state that Edouard is keen on a return to Selhurst too, despite only leaving the club last summer to join Lens on a permanent deal.

It is certainly an unexpected and surprising link.

Odsonne-Edouard

Edouard spent several years at Selhurst after arriving from Celtic and enjoyed mixed fortunes during his time in south London, and spent his last season out on loan at Leicester City.

There were flashes of the talent that made him such a sought-after forward in Scotland, but consistency proved difficult to maintain.

At his best, he is capable of causing problems for Premier League defences, and he has enjoyed somewhat of a mini-renaissance at Lens last term — bagging 14 goals in all competitions under Sage.

SportsBoom suggest the new Palace boss believes Edouard could play an important role within his plans and is pushing for the club to explore the possibility of a reunion.

Of course, there will be differing opinions among supporters.

Some fans may question whether bringing Edouard back after his previous spell is the right move when Palace could instead target more proven options.

For now, the focus remains on Sage’s expected arrival.