Liverpool can spend £47 million next summer to sign Araujo, and former Reds defender Lovren believes that the club signing the Uruguayan defender is a very reasonable choice.
Lovren suggested that Liverpool directly activate Araujo's £47 million release clause, on the grounds that the loaned defender's value will continue to rise. Araujo has performed exceptionally well since joining Liverpool on loan from Barcelona this summer. He has only missed 1 of Liverpool's 16 matches this season, starting 13 of them.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan international has cemented his position as the team's starting right-back, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist in the Champions League this season. According to the loan agreement, Liverpool has a £47 million buy-out option at the end of the season.
Former Reds center-back Lovren stated that Van Dijk's contract will expire next summer, and his long career at Anfield is nearing its end. Liverpool should seize this price point and strengthen their defense in advance.
"£47 million? Why not?" Lovren said. "In a while, his value could rise to £80 million. So why not get him at this price and slowly develop him to be even stronger?"
"He is at his prime and can play consistently at the top level for another five to six years, so why not make a move?"
"Everyone hopes Van Dijk can play until he's 41 like Modric, but not everyone can be like Modric."
"The day Van Dijk leaves Liverpool will come eventually, and the team needs alternatives, substitutes, and at least a five-year plan in advance."
Lovren also believes that the Premier League is more suited to Araujo than La Liga. His strong physical presence makes the Premier League's style of play a good fit for him.
"I believe he will only get better and better, and in the future, he might also be willing to stay at Liverpool permanently."
"In the Premier League, Liverpool won't be his only suitor, but Liverpool is sensible enough to weigh the pros and cons. He's only 27, in such good form, why not keep him?"
In an interview with Tribal Football, Lovren also praised another new signing, Jérémy Jacquet, for how quickly he adapted to the Premier League. Jérémy Jacquet previously played in Ligue 1. Lovren himself had a similar experience, moving from Olympique Lyonnais to Southampton in 2013, and then joining Liverpool the following year.
"Honestly, Jérémy Jacquet surprised me. Usually, players moving from Ligue 1 to another league need an adaptation period, but his performance exceeded my expectations."
"I also see him as a long-term option for Liverpool. The club knew from the start that they had found a replacement for Konate; he's very young and has a lot of room for improvement."
"He can learn from the top players alongside Van Dijk, and in my opinion, it's a win-win, and the team's future is promising."