[2] His first La Liga appearance took place on 26 November, as he again came on as a substitute for Txiki Begiristain midway through the second half of the 3–1 home win over Real Valladolid.

[8][9] Due to financial problems relating to the takeover, the Spanish imports all had to be released in March 2001, but as one of those whose performances for Airdrie had impressed, he (along with teammate Javier Sánchez Broto) was signed up by another club in that level, Livingston, who were on the verge of promotion to the Premier League.

[12] He was shortlisted for the SPFA Player of the Year award,[13] and his form prompted Celtic manager Martin O'Neill to spend £1 million to sign him for the Glasgow giants, on a four-year contract.

[15] After a first season spent almost exclusively on the bench,[16] his future looked to lie away from Celtic, and he was loaned back to Livingston for 2003–04,[17] where he was part of the side that won the League Cup after beating Hibernian 2–0.

[18] Upon his return to Celtic Park, Fernández was confined to reserve team football and, in August 2005, he was released from his link but remained in Scotland, agreeing to a three-year deal at Dundee United.