N'Zogbia could well be a good signing, and Given is a good replacement for Friedel, but the team seems to be focussing around our only 'big' star asset- Darren Bent.
That is where the danger is. By focussing a team around one man, which is clearly the only option at present, there is potential disaster if Bent gets injured or suspended.
Let's face a few facts: Heskey is not a prolific goalscorer, Agbonlahor is hit and miss at the moment and the Fonz is not yet experienced enough to carry a regular first team start. The same can be said for Albrighton and Bannan, but as midfielders they are not meant to provide the majority of goals.
There was a time, a few weeks ago, when it seemed that further transfers may not be necessary, but to not buy further players now would be foolish beyond belief. The Asia Trophy proved that Bent is truly missed when he is not playing and in truth we never really looked like scoring until he came on against Chelsea.
I have tried to reserve judgment on McLeish and Lerner as a team thus far, but their lack of action is deeply worrying for the season ahead. The squad is far too sparse to manage the entire season, and it is too much to assume that there will be no injuries.
There will be a collective gasp of panic if Darren Bent gets injured this season, because it is difficult to see where the goals will come from in his absence. He must be feeling the pressure to deliver now, especially after he has seen his two goal providers walk out of the door.
McLeish and Lerner need to buy players now. Use some of the Young and Downing money to actually give the team a fair chance. Another goalscorer is required, as well as another creative midfielder. Rodellega would be a decent buy, as would Scott Parker.
Whatever this 'vision' of Lerner's may be, he needs to share it with the Villa fans now. If it happens to be mid-table mediocrity and a club that sells its best players, he should sell up now.
I have been a supporter of Lerner over the years, but the silence and inactivity at Villa Park in this close season, coupled with the sale of two key players, controversial decision making and abysmal PR, all seem to suggest a change of direction for the club- the wrong direction.
Another negative article this may be, but sadly it is based on genuine concerns and facts.