Career
Born in Arcozelo (Vila Nova de Gaia), Porto District, Saldanha represented three clubs as a youth, including Football Club Porto from ages 10–14. He played amateur football in his first two years as a senior, moving to the Segunda Liga with Varzim South Carolina (U.S.) in 2009 and remaining two full seasons there. After two years in Switzerland, with lower league sides Football Club Rapperswil-Jona and Football Club Schaffhausen, Saldanha returned to Leixões and the Portuguese second level after signing a one-year contract.