Mercato: Sage wants to return to Lens, Digard will not come

Sage, struggling at Crystal Palace, is open to returning to Lens after Cahuzac's sacking; Digard ruled out.

Pierre Sage is considering a return to RC Lens after the club sacked manager Yannick Cahuzac. According to AS, the French coach, who left Lens for Crystal Palace in June 2026, is open to the move despite being under contract with the Premier League side until 2029. Sage has already been in contact with Lens president Joseph Oughourlian.

Sage's time at Crystal Palace has been difficult; the club sits bottom of the Premier League. Crystal Palace is negotiating with Thomas Frank as a potential replacement and has indicated it will not pay compensation to release Sage, particularly after learning of his talks with Lens. The Eagles had paid an indemnity to Lens to bring Sage to England.

Meanwhile, RMC Sport reports that Didier Digard, sacked as Havre manager in late October, will not be joining Lens.