“Leicester City’s SHOCKING Manager Swap: Ex-Lyon Boss to REPLACE Struggling Ruud van Nistelrooy in DRAMATIC Overhaul!”

Leicester City are reportedly showing interest in former Lyon manager Pierre Sage, as a managerial change at the King Power Stadium becomes increasingly probable ahead of the new season.

The future of current boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has been under significant doubt for several weeks following Leicester’s relegation, and the club’s reluctance to initiate discussions with the Dutchman suggests his departure is more likely than his continuation.

As the search for a new head coach gains traction, Leicester have been linked with several names—most recently Pierre Sage.

According to French publication L’Équipe, the 46-year-old has caught the attention of multiple clubs.

Aside from Leicester, Championship rivals Southampton and QPR are reportedly monitoring him, along with French Ligue 1 outfits including Rennes, Toulouse, Reims, and Montpellier.

Sage has been without a job since January, when he was dismissed by Lyon. Despite this, he is said to have already declined two offers from Middle Eastern clubs.

He is also on the radar of several Ligue 1 teams potentially looking for new managers this summer.

Lille, Nantes, and Lens are among those mentioned, with Lens expected to part ways with Will Still, who is reportedly close to joining Southampton.

If Sage accepts a new role, it will mark only his second appointment as a senior first-team manager.

After retiring from playing over 20 years ago, Sage worked in various roles including youth coaching, recruitment, and as an assistant before earning his big opportunity.

That chance came in 2023 when, while heading Lyon’s academy, he was promoted to interim first-team manager.

At the time, Lyon were struggling at the bottom of the Ligue 1 table. Under Sage’s leadership, they won 15 of 22 league games, climbing to sixth place and securing Europa League qualification.

He also led them to the French Cup final, though they fell short against Paris Saint-Germain.

This season, Sage continued to deliver solid results, with Lyon again sitting in sixth when he was let go. He had already secured progression to the Europa League knockout stages with matches to spare.

However, a poor January run—just one win in six matches, including a shocking penalty shootout loss to a fifth-tier side in the French Cup—led to his dismissal.

Lyon’s owner, John Textor, explained the decision by expressing doubts over Sage’s ability to deliver Champions League qualification.

Ironically, Lyon finished the season in sixth, the same position they held at the time of Sage’s sacking.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Sage expressed his openness to a fresh challenge and confirmed he is seeking a role in one of Europe’s top leagues—but also said he would not rule out managing in the Championship.

“I’m ready for a new project,” Sage said. “I want to start next season either in France or elsewhere in Europe, ideally in one of the top five leagues.

My dream is to coach in England—it’s the best country and has the best leagues. The Championship is a strong league as well.”

He added, “Your second job might be the most defining. I think it was Mourinho who said you only become a real coach after you’re fired for the first time.”