The 3.5 year contract was for the optics…”look at us, we’re backing this guy…he ain’t going anywhere so get used to him…”. It was a message to the players & the fans.
I’d be amazed if that contract didn’t have fixed compensation clauses in it as opposed to “paying up the unexpired term”. But that said, if he is wiling to play the game, as was Kean, then realistically they won’t pot him as they’d then have to find another patsy.
I’ve said it multiple times on here, as indeed have many others - this club isn’t about chasing on-field success. It’s about reducing costs.