Pierre Sage has reflected on a turbulent first transfer window as Crystal Palace manager, admitting frustration at missing out on top defensive targets while praising the club's efforts amid a chaotic, deadline-heavy summer. The Frenchman, who replaced the departed Oliver Glasner, is still seeking his first points after opening defeats to Everton and Manchester City, and the unresolved futures of key players added further uncertainty as he settled into the role.

Palace lost out to Sunderland for top target Malick Fofana on deadline day despite Sage's personal calls to the Lyon forward, and also failed to sign preferred defensive options Ismaëlo Ganio, Joel Ordóñez, Chrislain Matsima and Raphaël Le Guen following Maxence Lacroix's departure to Chelsea, instead bringing in Axel Disasi and loanee Honest Ahanor. Despite this, Palace retained Ismaïla Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta against interest from Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively, rejected bids for Adam Wharton, and added attacking and midfield depth with Dario Osorio, Dwight McNeil, Evann Guessand, Ben Chilwell and Quinten Timber, continuing the club's pattern of late-window dealings, including 10 signings on deadline day in each of the past three summers.