None of us knows what Poch’s contract states.
I have drafted plenty, over the years.
It is usual, with these types of contract, for the parties to set out very clearly “notice periods” for termination. With most professionals, there is usually a requirement for three months’ notice.
I don’t know what notice provisions are in Poch’s contract, of course, but I would be surprised if there was not a provision preventing him from leaving mid season.
Of greater relevance will be any “restraint of trade” clause that might seek to prevent him working for a competitor within “so many months” of leaving us. If Poch wished to join United within the timeframe of such a clause as this, that is where Levy would be able to demand and expect to be paid compensation.
Whether or not he could reasonably demand the figures being bandied about, I do not know.