Chainlink (LINK) is showing strong long-term potential despite short-term declines.
Analysts woods.ai and James predict a major breakout as LINK consolidates above $15, forming a multi-year base pattern. With DeFi markets rebounding and its core role in oracle and cross-chain infrastructure, traders anticipate a possible surge toward the $30–$72 range by 2026.
Analysts See the Altcoin Nearing a Potential Breakout Phase
Analyst woods.ai believes the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector is entering an early resurgence phase, with the asset positioned to lead the next expansion cycle. The analyst noted that while many DeFi assets have remained quiet, they appear to be consolidating and building momentum beneath the surface. He described the asset as one of the most established oracle networks, adding that it is “waiting for its time to shine” as the broader DeFi ecosystem regains traction.
LINKUSD Chart | Source:x
The monthly chart supports this analysis, showing the coin consolidating above a structural support zone near $15–$16. Historically, this range has acted as both resistance and support, making it a key level for long-term traders.
A sustained move above this area could mark the start of a broader uptrend, potentially setting the stage for a retest of the $30 zone and even a move toward the $100 target that many long-term holders have anticipated. The multi-year price base suggests the asset has spent an extended period accumulating strength after previous market cycles.
Long-Term Setup Signals Strength Amid Market Repositioning
Market sentiment around Chainlink continues to improve as analysts identify technical structures suggesting renewed strength. James shared a bullish outlook, noting that its multi-year pattern resembles a symmetrical triangle formation on the monthly chart.
LINKUSD Chart | Source:x
Such structures often signal the end of prolonged accumulation phases before a directional breakout. According to James, the coin is approaching the upper trendline of this formation, where a confirmed breakout could trigger a strong upward movement.
James projected a potential rally targeting $72, a price level aligned with historical resistance zones and Fibonacci extension metrics. He described the current range as favorable for accumulation, as the asset continues to trade below historical highs while maintaining long-term support around $12–$14.
A sustained breakout above $25–$30 would likely confirm bullish continuation, opening the path for an extended recovery through 2025 and 2026. The technical setup, combined with improving DeFi liquidity, places it among the projects closely watched by market participants ahead of the next expansion phase.
Chainlink Price Pulls Back but Maintains Key Support Levels
Over the past 24 hours, the token recorded a 5.59% decline, trading near $15.40 after failing to hold above the $16.50 resistance zone. The price action shows a steady intraday downward movement, with selling pressure increasing as traders secured profits following a short-term rally. Daily trading volume remained firm at around $746 million, reflecting continued participation despite the correction. The decline below $15.80 confirmed a temporary bearish sentiment among short-term traders.
LINKUSD 24-Hr Chart | Source: BraveNewCoin
Despite the pullback, the market capitalization stands at approximately $10.7 billion, keeping it among the top twenty cryptocurrencies by valuation. The price is currently consolidating near the $15.20–$15.40 range, a level that could serve as a short-term accumulation base.
If buyers defend this support, a recovery toward $16.30–$16.60 may follow. Conversely, extended weakness could expose the token to the next support near $15.00, which would be crucial to maintain its broader bullish structure.
Market Focus Shifts Toward DeFi Rotation and Chainlink’s Role
As traders anticipate a sector-wide DeFi rotation, its on-chain activity and integrations continue to reinforce its market relevance. The network remains a central component of decentralized data feeds, oracle systems, and interoperability solutions across multiple blockchains.
Its ecosystem expansion into areas such as Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) and real-world asset tokenization adds further use cases that could attract institutional attention during the next liquidity wave.
Both analysts suggest that its extended consolidation phase may be nearing completion as market conditions turn favorable for DeFi projects. Sustained strength above key levels could confirm a technical breakout and realign investor focus toward oracle-based infrastructure assets.
With DeFi sentiment gradually improving, its long-term structure continues to attract attention as one of the few assets maintaining consistent development and utility throughout multiple market cycles.