Steady ETF inflows, a bullish cup-and-handle chart pattern, and improving sentiment across the crypto market could push Solana price to $190.
Solana (SOL) is now receiving more attention from traders as its price structure narrows below a key resistance zone. After months of consolidation, analysts consider the altcoin could also be preparing for a decisive trend break.
Key Takeaways:
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Solana has formed a high timeframe cup-and-handle pattern with a breakout goal of around $180-$190.
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SOL has rebounded and held above its 50-day moving average for the primary time since September 2025.
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Spot SOL ETF inflows remain consistently positive in 2026, reinforcing demand despite near-term liquidation risks.
SOL bulls might be back
Since November 14, 2025, Solana has been consolidating in a narrow range of $120 to $145 and has carved out a cup-handle pattern on the every day chart. On higher time frames, this formation is mostly viewed as a continuation signal, reflecting gradual accumulation followed by a controlled pullback that compresses volatility before expansion.
Solana one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
The $145 resistance has capped the SOL rally 4 times within the last three months, increasing the likelihood that a break above could trigger a follow-on rally. A confirmed breakout from the pattern could quickly take SOL towards its immediate measured goal near $180, a rise of around 25% from current levels.
Adding to the bullish case, SOL has reclaimed its 50-day moving average and achieved sustained acceptance above it for the primary time since late September 2025. Historically, holding above this trendline has marked transitions from corrective phases to trending markets, suggesting sellers are losing control of the broader structure.
Crypto trader NekoZ also noted the bullish sentiment and said:
“$SOL's rounded bottom is a masterpiece. Massive breakout on the every day chart. While everyone was bearish at $120, the smart money piled in. Next stop: $190+. You shouldn't short such a transparent reversal.” 
SOL evaluation by NekoZ. Source: X
SOL liquidity zones and ETF flows frame risk
Data from CoinGlass highlights the important thing turning points for Solana. Liquidation heatmaps show cumulative long liquidations exceeding $1 billion on a downward move from $15 toward $130, indicating vulnerability if support fails to materialize.
In contrast, short liquidations are accumulating near $160, where around $520 million might be forced to liquidate, potentially accelerating bullish momentum if resistance is broken. Therefore, the probability of a small decline stays high based on higher liquidity near the $130 support.
SOL exchange liquidation map. Source: CoinGlass
Spot SOL exchange-traded funds (ETFs) flows proceed to supply structural support. US spot ETFs recorded net inflows of $10.7 million within the last session, led by Bitwise's BSOL with $8.6 million.
Year-to-date cumulative net inflows rose to $1.14 billion from $1.02 billion, underscoring regular demand with no recorded outflows, a backdrop that might help offset volatility during a breakout attempt.
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