Ajax is poised to sign a 2.5 year contract with sought-after player Jordan Henderson, Dutch media are reporting on Thursday.

Henderson, who is breaking his contract with Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, is due in Amsterdam later on Thursday for a medical and the club will make the announcement later in the week, the AD said.

The transfer is a coup for the Dutch club, which has beaten off international competition for Henderson, who has played more than 400 games for Liverpool and has 81 caps for England. Henderson, who is 33, moved to Saudi Arabia just six months ago in a flurry of publicity.

Read the Guardian analysis of the move

The Englishman’s arrival will bring much needed strength to the Ajax midfield following a disastrous start to the season. The Amsterdammers have since fought back are now in fifth place and just five points behind AZ.

According to Voetbal International, Henderson will not make his debut for the Amsterdammers against RKC Waalwijk on Sunday because, as a non-EU national, Ajax have to apply for a work permit.