Premier League Predictions & News
Crystal Palace Next Manager Odds: Pierre Sage Takes the Wheel
With Oliver Glasner’s tenure as Crystal Palace coach at an end, the market for who will replace the Austrian has shifted dramatically in recent days. Here’s how things stand with William Hill News.
Glasner departs South London this summer as one of the club’s most decorated coaches, and Palace need to make a big call on who will be the man to replace him. The betting market has thrown up a new favourite at the top and there are several interesting names further down the list too.
Sage the new favourite
Last week, Andoni Iraola was installed as the 4/6 favourite to take over at Palace, but with recent rumours heavily linking him to Anfield, Pierre Sage has emerged as the new frontrunner, and the Frenchman is now 4/7 favourite to take charge of the Eagles next season.
Sage had a remarkable 2025/26 season with RC Lens, guiding the French side to 2nd place in Ligue 1 and Champions League qualification, while also delivering the club’s first-ever Coupe de France title with a 3-1 victory over Nice at the Stade de France, all in his debut campaign in charge. The 47-year-old was rewarded with the Ligue 1 Coach of the Season award for his efforts, having transformed Lens from a mid-table team into a Champions League side.
Frank Lampard a serious contender
The former Chelsea and Everton manager rebuilt his reputation during an impressive stint with Coventry City, guiding the Sky Blues into promotion contention while displaying a more tactically disciplined approach than in his previous top-flight roles.
Lampard is understood to have admirers within the Palace boardroom, and the prospect of European football next season, with their Conference League title earning qualification for the Europa League, makes this a genuinely attractive proposition. The question is whether he’d be willing to walk away from Coventry, with whom he remains under contract.
His Premier League pedigree, high profile and familiarity with the demands of managing a London club make him a credible appointment, particularly as Palace look to capitalise on the momentum Glasner has built. He currently sits as second favourite at 3/1.
Toppmöller and Thomas Frank chasing the pack
Not far behind in the betting is Dino Toppmöller at 5/1, a name that may be unfamiliar to many Premier League followers but one that commands real respect in European football. The German coach guided Eintracht Frankfurt to a Champions League spot before departing in January and has been without a club since.
His progressive, attack-minded philosophy would sit well with the style of play Palace fans have come to appreciate under Glasner, and his Bundesliga credentials show he is capable of operating at the highest level. If Palace are willing to think outside the box, Toppmöller represents an exciting option.
Meanwhile, Thomas Frank, who did outstanding work at Brentford, is still viewed as a viable candidate by the current markets, but convincing Palace’s hierarchy to overlook his north London struggles will require some doing, which is reflected in his 10/1 price.
Who will be the next Crystal Palace manager?
The market has evolved rapidly in recent days, with Pierre Sage leapfrogging previous favourite Andoni Iraola, with the Frenchman installed as the name to beat. He’s young and has a great reputation after a successful season in Ligue 1 with Lens, making him a compelling fit for a Palace side who are looking to take the next step in European competitions and the Premier League.
Lampard, Toppmöller, and Thomas Frank all remain sensible alternatives with Premier League and top-flight German experience between them. Whoever comes through the door at Selhurst Park this summer will inherit a club in excellent shape, and a set of supporters with high expectations.
*Prices accurate at time of writing – Odds subject to change*
