Crypto: Bitcoin Futures Imbalance May Spark Liquidation Revenge Rally To $90k

Bitcoin short positions continued to pile up as BTC price dropped near $81,000, potentially providing the liquidation fuel for a revenge rally back above $90,000.

Bitcoin’s (BTC) price has dropped 14.5% in the past 16 days, pushing the Crypto Fear & Greed Index to 16 (Extreme Fear), which is its lowest rating year-to-date.

While selling has dominated markets over the past two weeks, Bitcoin derivatives data suggest the current trader positioning may lead to a recovery. Analysts are now weighing whether the latest sell-off has created conditions for a relief rally.

Binance open interest has climbed more than 30% from its October 2025 lows, confirming rising activity within the Bitcoin futures market.

A move toward $92,000 may put over $6.5 billion in short positions at risk of liquidation.

From a technical standpoint, BTC has swept its swing lows between $80,000 and $83,000, clearing a large cluster of long liquidations. With that downside liquidity taken, attention is shifting higher.

CoinGlass data shows that a move toward $92,000 may place over $6.5 billion in cumulative short positions at risk of liquidation. By contrast, a drop to $72,600 would only threaten about $1.2 billion. This imbalance means upside moves may force short sellers to buy back positions, potentially accelerating price recovery.

Additionally, crypto commentator MartyParty framed the recent move as part of a Wyckoff Accumulation “Spring,” where price briefly dips below support to shake out weak hands before reversing.

In this context, the sweep below $83,000 may act as a final liquidity grab, allowing larger participants to buy discounted Bitcoin. If followed by sustained buying, the next phase may exhibit a price expansion with upside targets extending back toward $100,000.

Related: Bitcoin's 'miner exodus' could push BTC price below $60K

Source: CoinTelegraph