 Fuentes was born in Río Cuarto, Córdoba.He began his career playing for Newell's Old Boys in 1996, leaving the following year for Quilmes Atlético Club in the Argentine second division before rejoining Newell's in 1998.In 2001, Fuentes was signed for his first spell at Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield, on a US$450,000 fee (for 50% of his transfer rights).