Chainlink Price Nears Breakout, But Why Are LINK Whales Selling?

The Chainlink price has remained stuck within a close range following its rejection from the 2025 highs above $26. Currently, the popular DeFi token is approaching a critical turning point that may define the next price action. The price is compressing inside a long-term structure that has been developing for years, suggesting a large move may be building. Despite this, the whales are seen offloading LINK, which could be a matter of concern for the traders as well as the Chainlink price rally. 

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INK Price Compresses Inside a Long-Term Structure

On the weekly chart, LINK continues to trade inside a broad ascending structure, defined by a rising support trendline and a descending resistance line stretching back to the 2021 peak. This type of multi-year compression often precedes a high-volatility breakout.

Price is currently hovering near the 200-week moving average, a level that has acted as both resistance and support during previous cycle transitions. As long as LINK holds above the $12–$13 zone, the structure remains intact.

A confirmed breakout above the descending resistance, currently aligned near the $18–$20 range, could open the door for a measured move toward $24–$26 first. That would represent a rally of roughly 70–80% from current levels. Failure to hold the lower trendline, however, would invalidate the bullish setup and push LINK back into range-bound conditions.

Whales Are Selling—But Context Matters

On-chain data shared by Ali shows that whales have sold over 2 million LINK in the past seven days. Whale-held balances dipped before stabilising, suggesting distribution rather than aggressive dumping.

For traders, this is not automatically bearish. Historically, whale selling near compression zones can mean profit-taking ahead of volatility, redistribution to smaller holders and liquidity preparation before a breakout.

If whales were exiting entirely, the price would likely break below the structure. So far, that hasn’t happened. LINK continues to respect key support levels despite the selling pressure.

This divergence between stable price structure and declining whale holdings is worth watching closely.

Bottom Line: Where LINK Goes Next Depends on These Levels

Chainlink (LINK) price is no longer drifting—it is coiling inside a long-term structure. The weekly chart continues to hold, keeping the case for a breakout alive. If resistance gives way, LINK could unlock a 70–80% upside move from current levels.

However, whale selling adds a layer of risk. While it has not broken the price structure yet, it means traders should rely on confirmation, not anticipation.

What to watch next:

• Bullish continuation: LINK holds above $12–$13 and breaks through $18–$20 with strong volume. That would signal trend expansion.
• Bearish invalidation: A weekly close below the rising support or the 200-week average would likely send LINK back into a prolonged range.
• On-chain confirmation: Whale selling slows or stabilizes as price pushes higher.