Alexia Putellas believes she can "reinvent" herself with London City Lionesses, describing her move to the Women's Super League upstarts as the biggest challenge available to her.

On Tuesday, London City announced the landmark arrival of the two-time Ballon d'Or winner on a three-year contract, following her recent exit from Barcelona.

Putellas left Barca on a free transfer after winning 38 trophies in 14 years with the Catalan giants, including four Champions League crowns and 10 Liga F titles. 

She played 507 games for Barca while scoring 232 goals. Melanie Serrano (516) is the only player ahead of her for all-time appearances for the women's team, while nobody can match her goal return.

Last season, as Barca reclaimed the Champions League trophy, Putellas led all players in the competition for goal involvements (14), shots (38), chances created from open play (36), big chances created (10) and through-balls (nine). 

Given her recent success at the very top level, Putellas' decision to join a team that only played in the WSL for the first time last season, finishing sixth, has come as a surprise.

But the 32-year-old's main objective when choosing a new club was to test herself. 

"The criteria I followed were the same as the ones I follow every season: To challenge myself, to push myself to my limits, to reinvent myself," she said as her unveiling, as quoted by ESPN.

Good morning, London City fans  pic.twitter.com/FCqMf0bwDn

— London City Lionesses (@LC_Lionesses) July 9, 2026

"So, all of those made me think about what situations, what clubs I could get that at. The biggest challenge was London City. That's what really motivated me.

"It's going to be like my fuel and my engine, all of those challenges: an independent club, moving to a new country, to a young team, which is different to an established team. 

"A lot of people were asking me, 'Why do you like to complicate things like this?' I say: 'If I didn't have that, I couldn't be the player I want to be.'

"I constantly need a bit of a challenge. And this was the biggest challenge I had on the table."

London City have been busy in recent weeks, also signing former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, as well as Grace Geyoro, Delphine Cascarino, and Jana Fernandez.

And Putellas is particularly excited about the prospect of playing in England, adding: "I know that the league is improving. 

"It's one of the best leagues in the world, and for me, the most competitive league in the world.

"For me, it's very important, these things. Even more in a World Cup year, so I want to compete every weekend."