 In 2000, aged 17, Fernandes returned to the land of his father and joined FC Porto's youth system.In his first two years as a senior he only managed to appear for the reserves, his second team being Celta de Vigo B in Spain.In January 2003, the Galicians loaned Fernandes to Regionalliga Süd side SSV Jahn Regensburg, but again failed to appear officially for the main squad, returning in June to Celta and being released from contract.