Harry Kewell has reportedly been given time off by Celtic in order to finalise his move to Yokohama F Marinos.

Since countryman Kevin Muscat left to join Shanghai Port in China, the head coach of the first team at Celtic has been heavily linked to the vacant position at the Japanese powerhouse.

The Daily Record reports that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has given Kewell some time off to finalize the relocation to Japan and spend Christmas with his family.

Additionally, Kewell did not start on the bench during Celtic’s 3-0 victory over Dundee United on Wednesday (AEDT). Prior to the relocation to Yokohama being official, he is allegedly finalizing his backroom staff.

The legendary Australian football player would be the third Australian to hold the position in succession, joining Muscat and Ange Postecoglou, the current manager of Tottenham Hotspur.

Since Postecoglou appointed him first-team coach in June 2022, Kewell has been at Parkhead; however, this will be his first head coaching position since he was fired as Barnet’s head coach in 2021.

In addition, he was the head coach of Oldham Athletic, Notts County, and Crawley Town.

His first match as manager could occur in February in the AFC Champions League Round of 16, where Yokohama is paired with Bangkok United of Thailand in a two-leg match that starts on Thursday (AEDT).

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