There were a few weeks this summer when the Brazilian's future looked genuinely uncertain, with Saudi Arabian clubs once again dangling a lucrative proposal in front of the winger.
But as in previous transfer windows, Raphinha showed his commitment to the Catalan club and will remain at the Camp Nou for at least another year.
With two years still left on his contract, the question is less about whether he leaves this summer than what happens in 12 months, when he enters the final year of his deal, a situation that could put both club and player in an awkward position if it is not resolved before then.
Barcelona's sporting department under Deco has already begun preparing for the succession regardless, with two summer signings adding direct competition for Raphinha's position on the left flank.
Anthony Gordon, a £70m arrival from Newcastle, is primarily a left winger himself, the same role Raphinha occupies, while 18-year-old Belgian winger Jesse Bisiwu offers a longer-term option, even if he is unlikely to challenge the Brazilian for a starting spot immediately.
Karim Adeyemi has also featured on the left in pre-season, adding further depth to a position that was previously thin.
That crowded picture could open the door for Raphinha to shift into a more central role as an attacking midfielder, though even there he would face competition from Fermín López and Dani Olmo, both currently ahead of him in that particular pecking order.
There is little doubt Raphinha will remain at Barcelona for the 2026/27 season; what remains to be settled is exactly what role he ends up playing, in a squad where competition for his usual spot has multiplied significantly over the past few weeks.