Crystal Palace's new head coach Pierre Sage has had a difficult start to pre-season, with mixed results and slow transfer business ahead of the Premier League opener at Everton. The 47-year-old Frenchman replaced Oliver Glasner and is trying to implement different principles, such as press triggers, which players are still adapting to.
Pre-season struggles
Palace began pre-season with a 5-1 win over Swindon Town but followed it with a 3-0 defeat at Bromley. They then lost 3-0 to Sage's former club Lens in the Como Cup, with ex-striker Odsonne Edouard scoring twice. A goalless draw against Famalicao, followed by a penalty shootout win, means Palace will play in the fifth-place play-off.
Defensive frailties have been a concern, though within the club there is thought to be a sense of calm. Matheus Franca, back from a loan at Vasco da Gama, has been a rare positive, while Brennan Johnson has continued to struggle since his £35m January arrival.
Transfer activity
Maxence Lacroix is set to join Chelsea for a deal worth up to £52m, having cost Palace just £18m from Wolfsburg in 2024. He leaves as a full France international after winning three trophies. Replacing him and former captain Marc Guehi, who left in January, will be difficult.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, released by Arsenal last summer after a serious knee injury, is trialling at Palace with positive discussions on potential terms. Augsburg's Chrislain Matsima was a leading target, but negotiations are off after two rejected bids. Raphael Le Guen from Brest agreed personal terms but no offer has been submitted. Other centre-back options include Chibuike Nwaiwu, Charlie Cresswell, and Tiago Gabriel.
Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare, who won the Coupe de France under Sage, had been identified as a potential replacement for Adam Wharton, but Brentford are now leading the race for a deal worth upwards of £41m. Sangare was rested in Como Cup matches due to advanced negotiations.
Key players
Liverpool admire Adam Wharton, but he is nursing an ankle injury. Ismaila Sarr and Chadi Riad are not for sale, though Riad's representatives have fielded enquiries. Daniel Munoz is open to a new challenge and has interest from the Saudi Pro League but remains a focal part of Palace's plans.
Palace are waiting for 10 players who reached the World Cup knockout stages to return, with their presence eagerly anticipated after a challenging pre-season.
