He amassed Segunda División totals of 140 games and 14 goals over six seasons, representing five clubs.
After finishing his football grooming with Sporting de Gijón he made his professional debut in the 2005–06 season with Málaga CF's B-team, which was then in the second division.
In May 2006, as the main squad's fate was already decided for the worst, he made his first two La Liga appearances, against neighbours Sevilla FC (0–2 home loss) and Cádiz CF (0–5 away defeat); incidentally, the reserves were also relegated.
Saúl then joined Levante UD for 2007–08, in another troubled campaign with the club submersed in deep financial problems and eventually dropping down to the second level.
He had his breakthrough season the following year as he scored eight league goals for Valencian neighbours Elche CF, after having signed a two-year deal with the division two side the previous summer.