Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou noted before the end of the season he expected a more sedate transfer window than the one he experienced 12 months ago.
It would be nigh on impossible to replicate the thrilling signing spree that led to the likes of Kyogo, Jota, Cameron Carter–Vickers and Joe Hart arriving at Parkhead.
The Australian's success in terms of hits in the market and results on the field ensure a full-scale rebuild isn't needed.
That doesn't mean Celtic will stop in their quest to add talent ahead of their first visit to the Champions League group stage in five years.
It will likely be a case of quality over quantity, though, and a rising Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been linked with the Scottish Premiership champions.
Celtic have a track record of targeting City talent and that will likely only strengthen now Mark Lawwell is arriving from the Etihad as the Parkhead side's new recruitment chief.
Record Sport runs the rule over a player who certainly isn't short of admirers.
Who is he?
Harwood-Bellis is a 20-year-old defender who is highly regarded within the Manchester City set-up, as his loan history certainly backs up.
He has spent time and turned heads at Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht and Stoke City – racking up an impressive 69 appearances over the past two campaigns.
He has been immersed in the City way since 2008 and his style of play is a mix of defensive sensibility coupled with an air of composure in possession.
Harwood-Bellis won't be rubbing his eyes if he signs, he knows all about inverted full-backs and has earned heady praise from City onlookers during his fleeting first team appearances.
The stopper has proved a standout at international level, won recognition at every level up to U21 where he has earned seven caps.
Does he compare to anyone?
It would be glib to draw a comparison with any of the all-star central defenders who have emerged at City but he possesses the skills that top clubs covet.
He can cover the grass quickly, opens his body up well when distributing forward passes but is, perhaps, at his best when tackling and winning headers.
Harwood-Bellis is 6ft 2in but dominates strikers, due to his superior body positioning and desire to outfight his opponent.
Any famous fans?
Yes, he's adored by those who know him best.
Take Raheem Sterling, for instance, the City and England star was quick to namecheck the defender for his display against Oxford United in the Carabao Cup in 2019.
He extolled the virtues of the his team-mate when picking up his man of the match award.
Sterling said: "This is for Taylor. Taylor's done brilliant tonight.
"I thought he was fantastic, won his headers, won his duels. I had it easy."
Tony Mowbray, who had him at Rovers, was enthused by what he saw from a player desperate to keep on proving.
He said: “Taylor has a defensive instinct, a warrior attitude and he’s someone who wants to win headers and tackles.
“He wants to engage, he’s composed on the ball and has a lot of really good attributes."
What would be bring to Celtic?
Celtic fans are hopeful Cameron Carter–Vickers will remain and continue his partnership with Carl Starfelt next season.
But with Chris Jullien facing an uncertain future, how does Harwood-Bellis measure up to the next man in waiting Stephen Welsh?
The Scotland skipper edges it in terms of overall challenges won (70 to 65 per cent) and accurate passes (91 to 86 per cent) but Harwood-Bellis boasts better starts in aerial challenges won recoveries and interceptions percentages.
And some of Harwood-Bellis' numbers are dropped due to him playing an extra 2000 minutes over the course of last season at Anderlecht and Stoke.
Welsh has had plenty of encouraging moments but the stats favour Harwood-Bellis as a better option ahead of next season.
Starter potential?
Yes, his role as star turn in the City academy and his multiple caps at every level of England youth levels shows he's a player who has the track record to develop into a star.
Despite Harwood–Bellis' rave reviews and extended minutes, there is a list of players who have failed to kick on after that initial breakthrough.
But he appears to have the right temperament and is desperate to forge a top career for himself, a loan to Celtic could be the final piece for him to cement himself as a Manchester City regular.
Anything else?
He's held in high esteem but Guardiola's honest admission before Harwood–Bellis' switch to Stoke should serve as a key reminder.
Speaking in January, he said: “The academy is good for a short time but he needs to grow as a player and he doesn't have many minutes here in the first team."
And that likely won't change next season.
A switch to Celtic would offer plenty, continue in a system he knows, earn a crack at Champions League football and experience playing in the cauldron for which Glasgow is famed.
It appears a move that could be beneficial to both parties.
